Method for producing a diffusing sheet of cork, diffusing cork wall, and isothermic container comprising such a wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated containers experience thermal shocks due to rapid heat transfer through plastic walls, leading to temperature fluctuations that can be detrimental to contents, and condensation issues, as the heat from cooling elements quickly transfers to the container.
Innovation Solution
A cork diffusing plate is manufactured with varying densities, where the external surfaces are compressed to form a denser crust for rigidity and controlled temperature diffusion, while the internal part maintains high insulating properties, allowing for gradual temperature distribution and absorption of humidity, preventing sudden temperature changes and condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic walls are used in insulated containers, then the container structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but thermal shock occurs due to rapid heat transfer and condensation is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the container walls by using cork material with specific density characteristics (0.25-0.40 g/cm³) instead of plastic, fundamentally altering the heat transfer properties to prevent thermal shock while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cork as a composite natural material with specific cellular structure and density properties, combining insulating and shock-absorbing characteristics that plastic materials cannot provide, thereby resolving the thermal shock issue
2Power
If cooling elements are placed in direct contact with container walls, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but thermal shock is transmitted rapidly to the contents
Solution Approach 1:
The cork wall acts as an intermediary material between the cooling elements and the container contents, allowing controlled heat transfer while preventing rapid temperature changes that would cause thermal shock to the contents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal conductivity parameter of the wall material by using cork with density 0.25-0.40 g/cm³, which provides optimal balance between heat transfer efficiency and temperature stability, preventing thermal shock
3Strength
If cork plate density is increased throughout to provide rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but insulating properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different density qualities to different parts of the cork plate - the outer surfaces have higher density (0.35-0.40 g/cm³) for rigidity and the inner part has lower density (0.25-0.35 g/cm³) for insulation, resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The cork plate is segmented into distinct density zones - compressed outer crusts and a less dense internal core - allowing each segment to fulfill its specific function of providing either structural strength or thermal insulation
4Loss of energy
If cork plate thickness is increased to improve insulation, then thermal insulation is improved, but container volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the density parameter of the cork material (0.25-0.40 g/cm³) to achieve high insulating performance with thinner walls, thereby maintaining container volume while improving thermal insulation efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cork diffusing plate effectively manages temperature diffusion, preventing thermal shocks and maintaining controlled temperature conditions, while also absorbing humidity, ensuring stable temperature retention and optimized container volume.
Implementation Method 1
the external surfaces are compressed to form a denser crust for rigidity and controlled temperature diffusion
Implementation Method 2
the internal part maintains high insulating properties, allowing for gradual temperature distribution
Implementation Method 3
absorption of humidity, preventing sudden temperature changes and condensation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a diffusing sheet of cork for an isothermic container, characterised in that a starting sheet of cork with an initial density is compressed so as to laterally increase the density, and to form hardened outer skins (2) with a higher level of diffusion compared to the initial level, and thereby control the diffusion of the compressed sheet.