Vacuum-Wrapped Isothermal Packaging Without Thermal Bridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated packaging technologies face limitations in dimension versatility, thermal bridge creation, and environmental impact, with restrictive material usage and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular isothermal packaging device featuring a preformed core wrapped in a gas-impermeable, flexible film, allowing for customizable dimensions and automated manufacturing, which eliminates thermal bridges and reduces environmental harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If expanded polyurethane is used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but material diversity and environmental compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials combining a porous core (paper, fabric, or natural fiber-based) with a gas-impermeable film layer. This composite structure provides effective thermal insulation while using environmentally friendly, biodegradable materials that replace harmful expanded polyurethane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous core made from natural or synthetic fibers that can be evacuated to create vacuum insulation. The porous structure allows for effective thermal insulation through reduced heat conduction while maintaining environmental compatibility through biodegradable material selection.
2Temperature
If vacuum insulating panels are used, then thermal insulation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insulation structure into a porous core and a separate gas-impermeable film layer. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing where the film is applied to the pre-formed core, avoiding complex vacuum panel fabrication while achieving effective thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the porous core structure before applying the gas-impermeable film. This sequence simplifies manufacturing by allowing the core to be prepared independently, then covered with the film to create the vacuum insulation structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manufacturing molds are used for different packaging sizes, then dimension versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal manufacturing system where a single type of porous core and gas-impermeable film can be used to produce packaging of various dimensions. The modular nature of the components allows flexible assembly for different sizes without requiring multiple specialized molds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility in the manufacturing process by allowing the same core and film components to be configured in different arrangements and sizes. This dynamic approach enables dimension versatility through flexible assembly rather than fixed mold-based production.
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 effective thermal insulation across a wide range of dimensions without thermal bridges, reduces manufacturing costs, and minimizes environmental impact through efficient resource use and reduced material consumption.
Implementation Method 1
placed under vacuum
Implementation Method 2
core made of a porous material
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~12
AI summary
The method involves setting a core (3) preformed along a part of a volume, where the volume defines a part of a volume of an isothermal device e.g. container (1), or a part of volume of a cover (2). The core is formed by a porous material. A film (4) impermeable with gas is positioned at bottom of the core from inside to outside by fixing the film at the bottom of the core and at inside and/or outside of walls of the device. The film is evacuated and sealed, where the film covers concavity of the volume and is returned to be wrapped by an outer side of the core. An independent claim is also included for an isothermal device defining a volume.