Vacuum Insulation Element With Reflective Barrier and Fiber Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum insulation elements suffer from heat transfer via thermal radiation, thermal flow, and thermal conduction, which limits their insulation effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A thermal vacuum insulation element design featuring first and second boundary parts with support elements and fiber structures, incorporating a heat radiation-reflecting element between the support elements to minimize heat transfer, while maintaining mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum sealing is used to eliminate heat flow via air molecules, then thermal insulation effectiveness is improved, but heat transport via thermal radiation persists and limits further insulation improvement
Solution Approach 1:
A heat radiation-reflecting element is introduced as an intermediary component within the vacuum insulation element. This reflective element acts as a mediator to intercept and reflect thermal radiation between the boundary parts, preventing direct radiative heat transfer across the vacuum space. The support elements serve as intermediaries to hold the reflective element in position without compromising the vacuum seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum insulation element employs a composite structure combining multiple materials and functions: a vacuum-sealed environment, support elements for mechanical stability, and a heat radiation-reflecting element with high reflectivity. This composite approach integrates different physical principles (vacuum isolation, radiation reflection) to achieve superior overall insulation performance that addresses both convective and radiative heat transfer.
2Strength
If support elements are added to maintain mechanical stability in the vacuum space, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal conduction through the support elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are strategically positioned and designed with specific local properties to minimize their thermal conduction impact. The heat radiation-reflecting element is placed in the vacuum space at locations that maximize radiation blocking while minimizing contact points with boundary parts. The support elements are configured to provide mechanical stability at critical locations while maintaining minimal thermal bridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat radiation-reflecting element is implemented as a thin, flexible structure that can be positioned within the vacuum space without requiring substantial support. This thin-film approach provides effective radiation reflection while minimizing the thermal mass and conduction pathways of the support structure itself.
3Loss of energy
If multiple components (support elements, fiber structures, reflective elements) are integrated, then insulation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical stability to maintain the vacuum space, positioning the heat radiation-reflecting element, and minimizing thermal conduction. The fiber structures serve both as structural reinforcement and as additional thermal insulation barriers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines several functional elements into an integrated vacuum insulation system where the boundary parts, support elements, fiber structures, and heat radiation-reflecting element work together as a unified assembly. The sealing means integrate the vacuum space containment with the support structure attachment, creating a consolidated design that reduces overall system complexity compared to separate modular components.
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
Simultaneously reduces heat transfer through thermal radiation, flow, and conduction, achieving optimal insulation with high mechanical stability, and allows for a compact, flexible design.
Implementation Method 1
Heat flow or convection in insulation elements usually occurs via the air molecules. This effect is limited by vacuuming. The thermal insulation effect is then due to the lack of thermal conductivity of the vacuum.
Implementation Method 2
Heat transfer in vacuum insulation elements occurs via thermal conduction. This usually occurs via the support core of the vacuum insulation element
Implementation Method 3
Heat is transferred by radiation, such as infrared radiation. Nevertheless, heat transport in vacuum-sealed insulation elements still occurs through thermal radiation.
Implementation Method 4
A heat radiation-reflecting element (30) is provided in the vacuum-sealed space (16) between the first and second support elements (18, 20). The heat-radiation-reflecting element (30) reduces heat transfer due to thermal radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
Providing a thermal vacuum insulation element for reducing the loss of heat or cold via heat flow, heat radiation, and heat conduction. The thermal vacuum insulation element comprises a first planar boundary part and a second planar boundary part, which are spaced apart from one another and define a vacuum-sealed space between them. The vacuum insulation element comprises first and second support elements extending into the vacuum-sealed space. At least one of the first support elements abuts the first planar boundary part, and one of the second support elements abuts the second planar boundary part. The vacuum insulation element comprises first and second fiber structures that interconnect the first and second support elements. The fiber structures have low thermal conductivity and absorb at least the pressure generated by the vacuum on the boundary parts.A flat and heat radiation-reflecting element, to which at least one of the first and second fiber structures is attached, extends in the vacuumed space and is designed to insulate thermal radiation emanating from the boundary parts and the support elements.