Rod-Shaped Suspension Elements for Thermal Insulation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current suspension systems for inner containers in outer containers for thermal insulation are not highly stable or rigid, particularly under dynamic forces, and fail to distribute forces evenly, leading to potential local force peaks and inefficiencies in thermal insulation.

Innovation Solution

A suspension system featuring rod-shaped fixed bearing securing elements that can withstand both tension and compression, arranged in an annular installation space around the circumference of both containers, with contact points distributed to maximize rigidity and minimize thermal insulation gaps, using fibre-reinforced materials like aramide and carbon fibres.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional suspension systems use only tensile force elements (straps, cables), then the structure can be simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks rigidity and stability under dynamic forces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs rod-shaped securing elements made from composite materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers or glass fiber reinforced polymers) that provide both high tensile and compressive strength. These composite rods replace conventional flexible straps while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, achieving rigidity without significantly increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system is divided into multiple discrete rod-shaped securing elements distributed around the circumference of the container. Each rod acts as an independent structural unit that can withstand both tension and compression, collectively providing enhanced rigidity while allowing for modular assembly and maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If securing elements are concentrated at specific points, then the structure is simpler to assemble, but local force peaks occur causing stress concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distributionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a circumferential distribution pattern of rod-shaped securing elements where each element is positioned at specific angular intervals around the container. This creates locally optimized force distribution at each contact point while maintaining overall system simplicity through repetitive positioning, preventing stress concentration by spreading loads across multiple discrete locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the space between containers is fully utilized for mounting elements, then structural stability improves, but thermal insulation efficiency decreases due to increased thermal bridges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rod-shaped securing elements are designed with thin-walled composite structures that provide sufficient mechanical strength while minimizing thermal conductivity. The elements act as thermal barriers due to their low thermal mass and can be coated with thermal insulation materials, allowing them to fulfill both structural support and thermal insulation functions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal break elements or insulation coatings on the rod-shaped securing elements that act as intermediary layers between the inner and outer containers. These intermediaries reduce thermal conduction along the structural elements while maintaining their mechanical load-bearing capacity, effectively decoupling the structural and thermal functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11655941B2Suspension system for an inner container mounted for thermal insulation in an outer container and container arrangement

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 CRYOSHELTER BIOLNG GMBH

AI summary

Suspension system for an inner container mounted for thermal insulation in an outer container. Rod-shaped fixed bearing securing elements of a fixed bearing system engage the outer container and the inner container and can be stressed in tension and compression. Fixed bearing securing elements engage the inner container while being arranged so as to be distributed in an annular installation space between the inner container and outer container, and they engage the outer container while being distributed in the annular installation space. A floating bearing system with a floating bearing ring and annularly distributed floating bearing securing elements can be arranged in the outer container to support the inner container. The floating bearing securing elements can be stressed in tension by tension springs and/or in compression by compression springs and engage the floating bearing ring and the inner container or the outer container.