Vacuum-Insulated Container Structure for Higher Thermal Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating containers lack sufficient thermal resistance and storage capacity, necessitating an improvement in their design to enhance insulation properties.
Innovation Solution
The development of an insulating container featuring vacuum insulated panels and a structural design that includes a base and lid insulating structure, with each structure comprising vacuum insulated panels and additional insulating materials, such as foam, to increase thermal resistance and storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional insulating containers use polymer molding with foam filling, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but thermal resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an inner container with vacuum insulated panels is placed inside an outer container. The vacuum insulated panels are positioned within cavities formed by the outer container walls, creating a multi-layered insulation system that significantly enhances thermal resistance while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple insulation materials and structures: vacuum insulated panels (comprising vacuum barriers and insulating cores) are integrated with polymer molding and foam filling materials. This composite approach creates a hybrid insulation system that leverages the superior thermal performance of vacuum technology while retaining the manufacturing advantages of conventional polymer and foam materials.
2Temperature
If vacuum insulated panels are integrated into the container structure, then thermal resistance increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insulation system into separate modular components: pre-fabricated vacuum insulated panels are manufactured independently as discrete units, then integrated into the container assembly. This segmentation allows vacuum panels to be produced using specialized vacuum insulation technology while the container structure itself can be manufactured using conventional polymer molding and foam filling processes, thereby managing manufacturing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum insulated panels are pre-assembled and prepared before being integrated into the final container structure. The vacuum insulation layers, barriers, and support structures are configured in advance during panel manufacturing, allowing the main container assembly process to focus on integrating these pre-prepared insulation components rather than constructing the vacuum insulation system from scratch during final assembly.
3Volume of stationary object
If the container includes multiple insulating structures with vacuum panels, then storage capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different insulation solutions to different regions of the container structure: vacuum insulated panels are strategically positioned in specific cavities where enhanced thermal resistance is most needed, while other areas may use conventional foam filling or polymer molding. This localized application of advanced insulation technology optimizes thermal performance in critical areas without uniformly increasing complexity throughout the entire container structure.
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 provides enhanced thermal resistance and storage capacity by utilizing vacuum insulated panels and additional insulating materials, effectively reducing heat transfer and maintaining temperature within the storage compartment.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating portion positioned within the cavity, the insulating portion comprising at least one vacuum insulated panel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for making an insulating container having at least one cavity in a lid insulating structure or base insulating structure and having at least one vacuum insulated panel disposed within the at least one cavity.