Refrigerated Vehicle Body Module with Nested Vacuum Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated vehicle body walls face challenges with fragile vacuum insulation panels that are difficult to handle and prone to damage during assembly, leading to reduced thermal insulation performance and increased manufacturing time due to the need for additional support structures.
Innovation Solution
A body module with a vacuum insulation element encapsulated in a protective envelope made of a more rigid material, such as polyurethane, which provides mechanical strength, reduces the risk of membrane damage, and allows for easier handling and assembly, while maintaining thermal insulation properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used to achieve good thermal insulation properties, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the panels become fragile and difficult to handle during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum insulation panel is nested inside a protective envelope made of more rigid material. The encapsulation membrane of the vacuum insulation panel is completely embedded within the protective envelope, creating a nested structure where the fragile inner component is protected by the rigid outer shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective envelope acts as an intermediary between the vacuum insulation panel and external forces or handling operations. It provides mechanical protection while allowing the vacuum insulation panel to maintain its thermal insulation function without direct exposure to damaging forces.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used to achieve good thermal insulation properties, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the encapsulation membrane is prone to damage during manipulation and glue coating
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation membrane is nested within the protective envelope, completely embedded and shielded from external damage. The rigid outer envelope prevents piercing or tearing of the inner membrane during handling and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective envelope provides beforehand cushioning and protection to the encapsulation membrane against potential damages during assembly, transport, and operation. It prevents membrane deterioration before it can occur.
3Strength
If support structures or plates are added to increase rigidity of the refrigerated body wall, then mechanical strength is improved, but the number of elements to assemble increases and manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective envelope combines multiple functions into a single element: it provides mechanical strength and rigidity to the wall structure while simultaneously protecting the vacuum insulation panel. This eliminates the need for separate support structures or plates, reducing the number of assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective envelope serves multiple purposes: it acts as a structural reinforcement element, a protective barrier for the insulation panel, and a rigid support for mounting accessories. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
4Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used to achieve good thermal insulation properties, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the panels require precise handling to avoid damage which complicates the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The nested structure of the vacuum insulation panel within the protective envelope creates a single integrated unit that is easier to handle. The rigid outer envelope provides structural integrity during assembly, eliminating the need for special handling procedures for the fragile inner panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective envelope serves as an intermediary that simplifies interaction with the vacuum insulation panel. All handling, mounting, and protective operations are performed on the robust outer envelope rather than the fragile inner panel, reducing assembly complexity.
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 mechanical strength and thermal insulation by protecting the vacuum insulation panels from damage and vibrations, reducing the risk of encapsulation membrane deterioration and simplifying the assembly process, resulting in improved energy performance and reduced manufacturing time.
Implementation Method 1
The protective casing is made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the encapsulation membrane of the vacuum insulation element
Implementation Method 2
at least one vacuum insulation element provided with a core and with an encapsulation membrane for said core
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The module (30) has a vacuum insulation panel (32) provided with a core (36) and a gas sealed encapsulating membrane (38) that encapsulates the core, where the module is in the form of a parallelepiped-shaped panel. The core is in the form of a plate made of thermally insulating material. An outer protection cover (34) is over molded on the membrane so as to fully merge the insulation panel. The cover is made of a material e.g. thermally insulating material such as thermosetting material or polyurethane, which is more rigid than material of the membrane of the insulation panel. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a body panel comprising finishing layers (2) a refrigerated body comprising an inner space (3) a method for manufacturing a body module.