Multilayer Vacuum Insulation Layout for Fewer Fixing Through-Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in forming precise through-holes in multilayer vacuum insulating sheets, which are difficult due to their construction from numerous independent flexible layers.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulating structure is designed with retainers protruding from the to-be-insulated surface, where first, second, and third multilayer vacuum insulating sheets are positioned to reduce the number of through-holes, and a keep plate is used to hold these sheets in place, with hook/loop fasteners ensuring secure attachment and preventing displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If through-holes are formed in the multilayer vacuum insulating sheet for fixation, then the sheet can be securely attached to the to-be-insulated surface, but the positioning precision deteriorates because the sheet is formed by suturing numerous independent flexible layers together
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sheet is divided into multiple independent flexible layers that are sutured together to form a multilayer structure. This segmentation provides fixation reliability through multiple layers while the flexible nature accommodates positioning variations without requiring precise through-hole alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible multilayer vacuum insulating sheets that can deform and adapt to positioning variations. The flexibility allows the sheets to be securely attached even when through-holes are not precisely positioned, as the material can conform to the fastening points
2Reliability
If multiple through-holes are formed in the multilayer vacuum insulating sheet, then secure fixation is achieved, but the thermal insulating performance deteriorates due to increased heat transfer paths
Solution Approach 1:
A boundary multilayer vacuum insulating sheet is introduced as an intermediary element that covers the boundaries between adjacent insulating sheets. This intermediary component blocks heat transfer paths at the boundaries and covers through-holes, reducing thermal energy loss while maintaining fixation reliability through the combined structure
Solution Approach 2:
The boundary multilayer vacuum insulating sheet is nested between the adjacent insulating sheets, creating a layered configuration where the boundary sheet is positioned within the overall structure. This nesting arrangement allows the boundary sheet to cover through-holes and block heat paths without adding external complexity
3Area of stationary object
If adjacent insulating sheets are placed close together, then coverage of the to-be-insulated surface is improved, but gaps between sheets may expose the surface and reduce insulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent insulating sheets are merged at their boundaries by positioning boundary multilayer vacuum insulating sheets between them. This merging creates a continuous insulating barrier that eliminates gaps and maintains insulation reliability across the entire covered area
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 configuration reduces the number of through-holes and enhances thermal insulation performance by creating a labyrinth-like path for heat transfer prevention.
Implementation Method 1
a multilayer vacuum insulating sheet that covers a to-be-insulated surface exposed to a vacuum space
Implementation Method 2
The first multilayer vacuum insulating sheets adjacent to each other may be joined to the to-be-insulated surface at least in a vicinity of each retainer by a pair of first hook/loop fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal insulating structure includes: at least two retainers that protrude from a to-be-insulated surface exposed to a vacuum space; at least two first multilayer vacuum insulating sheets adjacent to each other with the retainers positioned therebetween, the insulating sheets covering the to-be-insulated surface; at least one second multilayer vacuum insulating sheet that extends between the retainers along a boundary between the first multilayer vacuum insulating sheets in a manner to cover the boundary; at least two third multilayer vacuum insulating sheets that are adjacent to each other with the retainers positioned therebetween, the at least two third multilayer vacuum insulating sheets covering the first multilayer vacuum insulating sheets and the second multilayer vacuum insulating sheet; and a keep plate that is fixed to the retainers and holds the first multilayer vacuum insulating sheets, the second multilayer vacuum insulating sheet, and the third multilayer vacuum insulating sheets.