Low-E Film for Reefer Trailer Thermal Radiation Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated transport units face inefficiencies in high-temperature thermal resistance due to thermal radiation from roadways and parking surfaces, which increases cooling demands and affects interior temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A low-emissivity heat reflecting film is integrated into the sub-floors and roofs of refrigerated units, utilizing a glass-reinforced, pinhole-free PET film with a vapor-deposited aluminum coating to reflect thermal radiation and provide composite durability and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional sub-floor and roof materials are used in reefer units, then structural strength and durability are maintained, but thermal radiation from roadways and parking surfaces penetrates through, increasing interior temperature and cooling demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a low-emissivity (Low-E) heat reflecting film to the sub-floor and roof of reefer units. This film reflects thermal radiation from roadways and parking surfaces away from the trailer interior, converting the harmful thermal radiation into beneficial reflected energy that does not penetrate the trailer. The Low-E coating specifically targets infrared heat radiation, reflecting it back toward the source while allowing visible light to pass through, thereby reducing cooling loads without compromising visibility or aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: a durable PET film providing mechanical strength and pinhole-free integrity, a Low-E heat reflecting coating layer for thermal radiation control, and potentially additional adhesive or protective layers. This composite material combines the advantages of different materials - the durability and pinhole-free properties of PET film with the heat reflecting capabilities of the Low-E coating - to achieve both structural integrity and thermal performance improvement.
2Weight of moving object
If existing sub-floor and roof construction is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight is excessive and aesthetic consistency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a thin film structure - specifically a durable PET film with Low-E coating - that is applied to the sub-floor and roof surfaces. This thin film provides the necessary heat reflecting functionality and structural reinforcement without adding significant weight. The film's flexibility allows it to conform to the existing trailer structure while maintaining pinhole-free integrity, ensuring both weight savings and structural adequacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material system combines the lightweight, pinhole-free PET film with the functional Low-E coating layer. This composite provides both mechanical strength and thermal performance in a lightweight package, replacing heavier traditional insulation or structural modifications while maintaining or improving structural integrity through the distributed reinforcement provided by the film-substrate composite structure.
3Reliability
If traditional film materials are used in sub-floor construction, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but pinholes are present allowing thermal radiation penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using PET (polyester) film instead of traditional PP (polypropylene) film for the sub-floor construction. PET film offers superior pinhole-free integrity and higher temperature resistance compared to PP film. The manufacturing process parameters are optimized for PET lamination, including temperature and pressure controls that ensure complete bonding without pinholes. This material substitution and parameter optimization achieve both pinhole-free reliability and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of PET film with Low-E coating is designed to be manufactured as an integrated laminated product. The coating is applied to the PET film in a controlled manufacturing process that ensures uniform coverage and strong adhesion. This integrated composite approach maintains ease of manufacture by combining materials and processes into a single manufacturable unit, while achieving the pinhole-free integrity required for reliable thermal radiation blocking.
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
This solution reduces thermal radiation penetration, offering significant weight savings, improved aesthetics, and enhanced thermal performance by reflecting heat away from the trailer's interior, thus improving temperature control and reducing cooling demands.
Implementation Method 1
a low-emissivity heat reflecting film is integrated into the sub-floors and roofs of refrigerated units, utilizing a glass-reinforced, pinhole-free PET film with a vapor-deposited aluminum coating to reflect thermal radiation
Implementation Method 2
thermal radiation from the roadways and parking surfaces penetrate to heat trailer floor... this invention proposes to solve that 'problem' with the addition of a new low-emissivity (or 'Low-E') heat reflecting film for reflecting roadway thermal radiation away from the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal radiation shield for the floors and roofs of trailer reefer units. The shield includes a low-emissivity, heat reflecting film that includes a metal coating layer, preferably vapor deposited, further protected by a layer of durable PET film.