Plastic Lining with Aluminum Layer for Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic linings for temperature-controlled bowls, such as those used in surgical operations, face issues with insufficient temperature resistance, leakage, poor thermal conductivity, and mechanical damage due to creasing, which can lead to non-sterility and increased sterilization costs.
Innovation Solution
A plastic lining with a molded part adapted to the shape of the bowl, featuring a multi-layered structure with a heat protection aluminum layer and a welded-in aluminum/polyethylene laminate bottom, ensuring optimal thermal conductivity and preventing leaks, while being easy to remove and sterilize.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a plastic lining is used to line the steel bowl, then sterilization costs and material consumption are reduced, but thermal conductivity deteriorates leading to insufficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic lining combines multiple materials with complementary properties: an inner layer made of heat-resistant plastic (PEEK or PP) for chemical resistance and sterilization durability, and an outer layer of aluminum foil for high thermal conductivity. This composite structure achieves both reduced sterilization needs and improved heat transfer, resolving the contradiction between material consumption and temperature control.
2Ease of operation
If a thin plastic film is used for the lining, then ease of removal and disposal is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates causing leakage and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lining uses a composite structure with an inner layer of thick heat-resistant plastic (1-2 mm) providing mechanical strength and leak prevention, combined with an outer aluminum foil layer for thermal conductivity. The apron portion extends beyond the bowl edge for easy handling and removal, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring mechanical integrity through the reinforced composite construction.
3Reliability
If the plastic lining is heated to high temperatures, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but plastic deformation and leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention selects plastics with specific high temperature resistance parameters (PEEK or PP) that can withstand sterilization temperatures up to 121°C without deforming. The aluminum foil layer provides additional thermal stability and reflects heat back into the liquid, enabling effective sterilization while maintaining structural integrity of the plastic components.
4Temperature
If the plastic lining fits tightly to the shell, then thermal conductivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic lining is designed as a flexible container that can elastically adapt to the steel bowl's shape and minor surface irregularities. This flexibility compensates for manufacturing tolerances in both the lining and the bowl, achieving tight contact for good thermal conductivity without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision. The apron portion provides additional flexibility for installation and removal.
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 solution enhances heat transfer, prevents creasing and mechanical damage, maintains sterility, and reduces sterilization efforts, ensuring reliable and efficient use in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
In the shell area, several layers of plastic foils are preferably provided above a heat protection layer, which is designed as an aluminum layer, which lie inside one another and thus form a multi-layered structure
Implementation Method 2
The plastic lining is preferably provided with a welded-in flat bottom made of an aluminium/polyethylene laminate, the contact side towards the shell being made of aluminium. The rigid aluminum laminate adapts well to the shape of the shell when the shell lining is filled, thus creating optimal thermal conductivity.
Implementation Method 3
This saline solution is provided in a sterile metal bowl, which is kept ready on a warming plate with a mobile stand and is kept at body temperature so that the saline solution is also warmed to body temperature.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The lining has a skirt portion (2) for partial covering of a substructure (5). A bowl portion (4a) is formed by a mold part (1) that is adjusted to the shape of a temperable bowl (4). The skirt portion is formed at the mold part. The temperable bowl is mounted on the substructure. The lining is detachably held in the bowl. The lining is multilayered in the bowl portion and made of thermally conductive plastic. A thermal protection layer is attached to the bowl portion. An aluminum blank is provided as the thermal protection layer in a portion of the mold part. The thermal protection layer is flat bottom made of aluminum/polyethylene laminate.