Thermal Insulation Measurement Device Using Segmented Sensor Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermal insulation property measuring devices lack comprehensive and accurate methods for assessing the thermal insulation performance of materials and systems, particularly in complex setups, due to limitations in data collection and analysis tools and structural design.

Innovation Solution

A thermal insulation property measuring device comprising a tank, a thermal insulator with multiple layered insulation materials, a cuboidal frame for structural support, and a data collector with integrated sensors and analysis capabilities, allowing for precise measurement and data collection of thermal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a simple measurement setup is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and comprehensiveness of thermal insulation assessment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent measurement modules (temperature sensors at different positions, pressure sensors, weight sensors) that can independently measure different parameters. This segmentation allows comprehensive data collection while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device incorporates multiple sensors that serve different functions (temperature measurement, pressure measurement, weight measurement) within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive thermal insulation assessment without requiring multiple separate measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and data collection devices are integrated, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection accuracyVSAvoiddata collection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple measurement functions (temperature, pressure, weight sensing) and data processing capabilities are merged into a single integrated data collection device. This consolidation improves measurement precision by coordinating multiple sensors while managing system complexity through unified data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A microcontroller or data processing unit acts as an intermediary between the multiple sensors and the final measurement output. This intermediary coordinates data from various sensors, performs necessary calculations, and produces comprehensive thermal insulation assessment results, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If layered thermal insulation structure is used, then the thermal insulation performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidinsulation layer assembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal insulation system is divided into distinct layered components (first thermal insulation layer, second thermal insulation layer, first membrane, second membrane, third membrane) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation improves thermal insulation performance through layered protection while managing manufacturing complexity by allowing specialized production of each layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite thermal insulation structures combining different materials (thermal insulation materials, membrane materials, filler materials) in layered configurations. These composite structures improve overall thermal insulation performance by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials while following standardized assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables comprehensive and accurate assessment of thermal insulation properties by collecting and analyzing data on temperature, pressure, and weight, providing detailed insights into the performance of thermal insulation systems and materials.

Implementation Method 1

a first thermal insulation layer and a second thermal insulation layer which are sequentially coated on the tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of temperature sensors; the pressure gauge, the thermometer, and the plurality of temperature sensors are connected to the first hub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Temperature Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a piezometer tube... the pressure gauge is connected to the piezometer tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

a weighing machine; the weighing machine is disposed below the second rectangular frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight measurement: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11262322B2Thermal insulation property measuring device
Publication Date: 2022.03.01 DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
  • US11262322B2 patent drawing
  • US11262322B2 patent drawing
  • US11262322B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A thermal insulation property measuring device, including a tank, a thermal insulator, a cuboidal frame, a support bracket, and a data collector. The tank includes an upper body, a first lower body, and a second lower body. The thermal insulator includes a first thermal insulation layer, a second thermal insulation layer, a first membrane, a second membrane, and a third membrane. The support bracket includes a trapezoidal support and a transition support. The tank is disposed on the support bracket. The support bracket is disposed in the cuboidal frame. The upper body, the first lower body, and the second lower body are spherical and communicate with each other. A filling tube, a pressure relief tube and a piezometer tube are disposed on the upper body. The first membrane is disposed on the tank. The first thermal insulation layer is coated on the first membrane.