Vacuum Insulation Panel Dual Protective Layer Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum insulation panels with a mechanically tight protective layer on one surface are limited in their universal application due to lack of flexibility and protection against mechanical impacts on the opposite surface, restricting their use in environments with uneven surfaces or high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

The panel is designed with a second outer surface featuring a non-mechanically tight, elastically cushioning protective layer made of materials like PE foam or cellular rubber, providing enhanced flexibility and temperature resistance, allowing for universal application, including attachment to hot surfaces and protection against sharp edges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a mechanically dense protective layer is applied to the entire outer surface of the vacuum insulation panel, then protection against mechanical damage from sharp-edged tools is improved, but the panel loses flexibility and cannot accommodate uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against mechanical damageVSAvoidflexibility and adaptability to uneven surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer is segmented into two distinct parts: a mechanically dense protective layer on the first outer surface for protection against sharp-edged tools, and a non-mechanically dense, elastically cushioning protective layer on the second outer surface for flexibility and adaptability to uneven surfaces. This segmentation allows each surface to have optimized properties for its specific functional requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the vacuum insulation panel are assigned different protective layer qualities. The first outer surface receives a mechanically dense protective layer for areas requiring protection from sharp tools, while the second outer surface receives an elastically cushioning protective layer for areas requiring flexibility and temperature resistance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate protection and flexibility at different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a mechanically dense protective layer is used on both outer surfaces, then comprehensive mechanical protection is achieved, but the panel cannot withstand high temperatures and lacks elasticity for cushioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive mechanical protectionVSAvoidtemperature resistance and elasticity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different material properties to different surfaces based on local requirements. The first outer surface uses a mechanically dense protective layer for mechanical protection, while the second outer surface uses a material resistant to temperatures up to 120°C with elastic cushioning properties. This local quality differentiation allows the panel to withstand high temperatures and provide cushioning where needed while maintaining mechanical protection where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum insulation panel uses composite protective layers made from different materials optimized for specific functions. The first protective layer uses mechanically dense materials for protection against sharp tools, while the second protective layer uses temperature-resistant, elastically cushioning materials. This composite approach allows the panel to achieve both mechanical strength and temperature resistance with elasticity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If different protective layers are applied to different outer surfaces, then universal application is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal application capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of applying different protective layers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer system is segmented into two distinct layers applied to different surfaces, enabling the panel to be used in diverse applications requiring different protective characteristics. While this segmentation increases design complexity, it provides universal applicability by allowing selection of appropriate protective properties for each surface based on application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 vacuum insulation panel achieves improved flexibility and adaptability, enabling use in various applications, such as attaching to hot water storage tanks and accommodating uneven surfaces, while maintaining thermal insulation properties.

Implementation Method 1

the protective layer on this second outer surface is designed to provide cushioning. The protective layer is therefore relatively thick and, due to the choice of material and design, possesses considerable elasticity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The space formed by the film and filled by the core is evacuated, thus achieving the desired thermal insulation properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3018398B1Vacuum insulation panel
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 VA Q TEC AG
  • EP3018398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3018398B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum insulation panel with two opposing outer surfaces (2; 3) and edges (4) connecting these outer surfaces (2; 3), wherein the vacuum insulation panel (1) is provided on one outer surface (2) completely or at least over the majority of it with a mechanically dense protective layer (5) that protects against mechanical impact with sharp-edged tools (knives, cutters), wherein the protective layer (5) is preferably designed as a laminated, in particular adhesive, protective film made of plastic, especially PVC. This is particularly advantageous in that it is also provided on the opposing, second outer surface (3) completely or at least over the majority of it with a protective layer (6), and that the second protective layer (6) is designed as a non-mechanically dense, but elastically cushioning protective layer (6).