Perforated Metal Thermal Insulation for Heat Loss and Load Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal insulation structures used in high-pressure apparatus for crystal growth in supercritical fluids are brittle and prone to fracture due to thermal cycling and mechanical loads, leading to premature failure and significant temperature variations, which affect the crystal growth process.

Innovation Solution

A thermal insulation structure comprising multiple stacked layers with perforations and a spiral pattern, made of metal-based materials with low thermal conductivity, designed to reduce heat loss and support structural loads, using perforations to minimize thermal conductivity and enhance mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If ceramic insulation materials are used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but mechanical strength and reliability deteriorate due to brittleness and susceptibility to fracture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossVSAvoidstructural reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous refractory ceramic material with controlled porosity (30-70% void volume) to provide thermal insulation while maintaining mechanical integrity. The porous structure reduces thermal conductivity through air trapping and tortuous heat paths, while the interconnected pore network allows stress distribution to prevent catastrophic fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining refractory ceramic material with metal end caps and flange assemblies. The ceramic core provides thermal insulation, while the metal components provide structural support and load-bearing capacity, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both material types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If solid dense insulation material is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to higher thermal conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidheat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous refractory ceramic material with controlled porosity (30-70% void volume) to provide thermal insulation while maintaining mechanical integrity. The porous structure reduces thermal conductivity through air trapping and tortuous heat paths, while the interconnected pore network allows stress distribution to prevent catastrophic fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining refractory ceramic material with metal end caps and flange assemblies. The ceramic core provides thermal insulation, while the metal components provide structural support and load-bearing capacity, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both material types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of energy

If thick insulation layers are used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossVSAvoidinsulation structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the insulation system into discrete components: a cylindrical ceramic insulation body, separate end caps, and flange assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, then assembled into the complete thermal insulation assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a porous refractory ceramic material with controlled porosity (30-70% void volume) to provide thermal insulation while maintaining mechanical integrity. The porous structure reduces thermal conductivity through air trapping and tortuous heat paths, while the interconnected pore network allows stress distribution to prevent catastrophic fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 metal-based insulation structure effectively reduces heat loss and maintains consistent temperature across the high-pressure apparatus, improving the lifespan and efficiency of crystal growth processes.

Implementation Method 1

metal-based materials with low thermal conductivity, designed to reduce heat loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12553564B2Metal-based thermal insulation structures

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SLT TECH

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure include a thermal insulation structure, comprising a plurality of stacked layers that include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first surface, a second surface, disposed opposite of the first surface, and a plurality of perforations extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the plurality of perforations comprise a first pattern of two or more perforations that form a patterned in a first direction that is parallel to the first surface. The second layer includes a third surface, wherein the third surface is in contact with the second surface of the first layer, a fourth surface, disposed opposite of the third surface, and a plurality of perforations extending between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the plurality of perforations comprise a second pattern of two or more perforations that form a pattern in the first direction that is parallel to the third surface.