Vacuum Insulation Panel Structure for Heat Bridge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum insulation panels face limitations due to the heat bridge phenomenon, which conflicts with durability, and struggle to achieve high heat insulation performance while maintaining a compact size, especially in refrigerators where energy efficiency is critical.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum insulation panel structure featuring a core material with glass fibers, a first sheathing material with lower thermal conductivity, and a second sheathing material with higher thermal conductivity, coupled to form an extension that prevents heat bridges, along with a getter to adsorb gases and moisture, and a layered blocking structure to enhance durability and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional insulation panel (polyurethane) is used to achieve heat insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the thickness of the outer wall increases which reduces storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulation medium from solid foam (polyurethane) to vacuum (gas phase with near-zero pressure), dramatically reducing thermal conductivity from 20 mK/m·K to below 5 mK/m·K, thereby achieving superior insulation with reduced thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a vacuum environment within the insulation panel, removing gas molecules that facilitate heat transfer through conduction and convection, thereby achieving exceptional thermal insulation performance in an inert (vacuum) atmosphere
2Loss of energy
If a vacuum insulation panel is used to reduce thickness and improve insulation, then heat insulation performance and compact size are improved, but heat bridge phenomenon occurs which reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sheathing materials with different thermal conductivities at different locations: the first sheathing material (lower thermal conductivity) at the edges to prevent heat bridges, and the second sheathing material (higher thermal conductivity) at the center for structural support, thereby locally optimizing both insulation and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite sheathing structure combining two different materials (aluminum deposited sheathing material and aluminum foil sheathing material) with different thermal conductivities, creating a hybrid structure that prevents heat bridges while maintaining structural integrity and durability
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 effectively reduces thermal conductivity, prevents heat bridges, and improves durability, resulting in enhanced heat insulation performance and a more compact design for refrigerators, achieving up to 77.7% lower thermal conductivity compared to conventional panels.
Implementation Method 1
a getter provided in the core material to adsorb at least one selected from between gas and moisture introduced into the core material
Implementation Method 2
a first sheathing material disposed outside the core material, and a second sheathing material having different thermal conductivity from the first sheathing material
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum insulation panel includes a core material, a first sheathing material disposed outside the core material, and a second sheathing material having different thermal conductivity from the first sheathing material, the second sheathing material being coupled to the first sheathing material to form a space to receive the core material.