Structural body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window technologies that use depressurized double glass with a working liquid for heating or cooling require electric energy and allow moisture to flow, whereas there is a demand for a system that can utilize outdoor heat without electric energy and prevent moisture exchange.

Innovation Solution

A structural body comprising two plates with a refrigerant and a temperature-sensitive mechanism that allows refrigerant circulation when the indoor temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, enabling heat transfer to the outside in summer and prohibiting circulation when the temperature is lower, thus entering a non-operating state in winter to prevent heat loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If refrigerant circulation is always allowed for heat transfer, then cooling performance is improved, but heat loss occurs in winter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor temperature controlVSAvoidheat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the refrigerant circulation is automatically activated or deactivated based on ambient temperature conditions. The circulation structure allows the refrigerant to flow when temperatures are high (summer) and prevents flow when temperatures are low (winter), enabling the system to adapt its operation to seasonal variations without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If electric energy is used for heating or cooling the working liquid, then temperature control performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking liquid temperatureVSAvoidelectric energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-service cooling system that utilizes natural refrigerant circulation driven by temperature differences and gravity. The refrigerant automatically evaporates at the indoor side when heated by ambient temperature and condenses at the outdoor side, releasing heat externally. This passive heat transfer mechanism eliminates the need for electric compressors or active pumping systems, achieving cooling without external energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If depressurized double glass is used for heat insulation, then heat insulating performance is improved, but moisture flow control is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat insulation performanceVSAvoidmoisture flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sealed circulation structure as an intermediary system between the indoor and outdoor environments. This closed-loop refrigerant circulation system prevents direct moisture exchange between the interior and exterior while still enabling thermal management. The refrigerant circulates within the sealed structure, transferring heat without allowing moisture penetration, thus resolving the conflict between heat insulation and moisture control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for efficient heat transfer from the indoor environment to the outside in summer without electric energy, while maintaining high heat insulation in winter by preventing refrigerant vapor movement, thus maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature without energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

the refrigerant from the reservoir portion which has evaporated due to heat of the first plate side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the one plate side is deprived of evaporation heat and is cooled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

the evaporated refrigerant is cooled down when reaching the other plate side, and is condensed and liquefied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

condensation heat is dissipated from the other plate side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 5

When a temperature of the first plate side is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature-sensitive mechanism is in a first state to allow refrigerant circulation. When the temperature of the first plate side is lower than a specific temperature, the temperature-sensitive mechanism is in a second state to prohibit the refrigerant circulation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-sensitive mechanism: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS11566799B2Structural body

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 YAZAKI ENERGY SYSTEM CORP

AI summary

A structural body includes a refrigerant between a first plate and a second plate. A circulation structural part between the first and second plates includes a reservoir portion provided on a first plate side. In the circulation structural part, the refrigerant from the reservoir portion which has evaporated due to heat of the first plate side reaches a second plate side, condenses on the second plate side and is returned to the reservoir portion again. A temperature sensitive mechanism is in a first state when a temperature of the first plate side is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature to allow refrigerant circulation, and is in a second state different from the first state when the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature to prohibit the refrigerant circulation.