Refrigerated trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated trailers have thermal bridges due to metal structural members and rely on mechanical fasteners, which can reduce thermal insulation efficiency and increase production complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) with ultra-thin, high-performing insulants and composite structural posts, arranged in vertical and horizontal configurations, along with adhesives instead of mechanical fasteners, to enhance thermal insulation and reduce wall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal structural members and mechanical fasteners are used in refrigerated trailer assembly, then structural strength and ease of manufacture are improved, but thermal insulation efficiency deteriorates due to thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal structural members and mechanical fasteners from the insulation system, replacing them with composite materials that eliminate thermal bridges. This extraction of problematic elements directly addresses the contradiction by eliminating the source of thermal conductivity while maintaining structural integrity through alternative materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials for structural posts and fasteners that combine low thermal conductivity with high mechanical strength. These composite materials simultaneously provide the structural support needed while minimizing thermal bridge effects, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal insulation efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If thicker insulation walls are used in refrigerated trailers, then thermal insulation efficiency is improved, but cargo capacity deteriorates due to reduced internal volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the insulation materials by using advanced composite materials with superior insulating properties. This allows achieving the same thermal insulation performance with significantly reduced wall thickness, thereby preserving cargo capacity while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing metal structural members that create thermal bridges, the patent eliminates the need for excessively thick insulation layers. The extracted problematic elements were causing heat transfer that would have required additional insulation thickness to compensate, so their removal directly enables thinner walls with equivalent thermal performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If metal structural members and mechanical fasteners are used in refrigerated trailer assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to assembly steps and thermal bridge management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts mechanical fasteners and metal structural members from the assembly process, replacing them with composite materials that can be integrated more simply. This reduction in component types and assembly steps directly addresses both ease of manufacture and device complexity by simplifying the overall construction process.
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 design achieves improved thermal insulation, increased cargo capacity, reduced Transport Refrigeration Unit usage, simplified assembly, and easier maintenance by minimizing thermal bridges and using thinner walls and roofs.
Implementation Method 1
each VIP is made of insulants made up of a rigid, highly-porous core material encased in a thin, gas-tight outer envelope
Implementation Method 2
Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) s, each VIP made of ultra-thin, high-performing insulants
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated trailer having thermal insulation, including: a plurality of side walls, wherein each side wall includes: a first plurality of vacuum insulated panels (VIPs), each VIP of the first plurality of VIPs made of thermal resistant and porous material; and a roof including: a second plurality of VIPs, each VIP of the second plurality of VIPs made of thermal resistant and porous material; a second plurality of structural posts, each structural post of the second plurality of structural posts made of composite material, the second plurality of structural posts arranged in a horizontal bow configuration to hold the second plurality of VIPs in place to form a roof.