Vacuum Insulated Panel With Embedded Gap Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the performance of vacuum insulating panels are time-consuming, which hampers commercial production efficiency, and existing pressure gauges cannot measure the pressure within the sealed evacuated gap of these panels.
Innovation Solution
A system is provided with a spinnable magnetic sensor body positioned in a recess between the substrates of the panel, which is spun to measure the pressure of the evacuated gap, allowing for rapid determination of the panel's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional guarded hot plate apparatus is used to measure R-value, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but measurement time becomes excessively long (40-60 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure measurement function from the complex thermal performance measurement system. By placing a pressure sensor inside the vacuum gap, the system directly measures pressure (which correlates with R-value) rather than performing lengthy thermal tests, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure as an intermediary parameter to represent thermal performance. Instead of directly measuring thermal resistance through hot plate apparatus, the system uses pressure measurement in the vacuum gap as a proxy indicator for R-value, enabling rapid assessment without compromising measurement validity
2Measurement precision
If conventional pressure gauges are used, then pressure measurement capability is provided, but they cannot measure pressure within the sealed evacuated gap of the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the pressure sensor inside the sealed vacuum gap between the substrates. The sensor is positioned within the evacuated space, allowing direct pressure measurement of the sealed panel without requiring external access or breaking the seal, thus achieving both measurement capability and adaptability to sealed structures
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is integrated into the panel structure itself, allowing the panel to self-diagnose its vacuum quality. The sensor enables the sealed panel to provide its own performance verification without external testing equipment, enhancing both measurement capability and adaptability
3Productivity
If rapid pressure measurement is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential pressure sensing function and removes unnecessary components of conventional measurement systems. By using a simple pressure sensor that directly correlates with R-value, the system achieves rapid measurement without requiring complex thermal test apparatus, thus improving productivity while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from thermal resistance (requiring complex thermal testing) to pressure (requiring simple pressure sensing). This parameter transformation enables rapid measurement that improves productivity while the straightforward pressure-to-R-value correlation keeps the added device complexity minimal
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
Enables efficient quality control of vacuum insulating panels by quickly measuring pressure, indicating R-value, without disrupting the production process, and allowing for post-manufacture inspections.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor ball experiences a drag caused by tangential momentum transfer from incident gas molecules inside the measuring tube (molecular drag). The angular speed of the sensor ball is measured continuously to determine its rate of slowing down. The relative deceleration rate of the ball is proportional to pressure.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor ball is levitated by a magnetic field and rotates. The sensor ball is accelerated to a speed of more than 600 rps
Implementation Method 3
The sensor ball is levitated by a magnetic field and rotates. The sensor ball is accelerated to a speed of more than 600 rps and then allowed to coast.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum insulating panel includes first and second substrates (e.g., glass substrates), a hermetic edge seal, a pump-out port, and spacers sandwiched between at least the two substrates. The gap between the substrates may be at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure to provide insulating properties. A sensor body (e.g., spinnable magnetic body, which may be substantially spherical in shape) is provided at least partially in a recess defined in at least one of the substrates, and is configured to be spun at a high rate of speed in order to measure a pressure of the recess and/or gap between the substrates.