Integrated multilayer insulation

Abstract

A multilayer insulation with an array of posts is provided. In particular, the posts are comprised of multiple post or support elements that are interconnected to radiation shields or sheets comprising the layers of the integrated multi-layer insulation (IMLI) structure. The support elements maintain spacing between adjacent sheets, thus maintaining a volume between the sheets. The support elements can each feature a plurality of support arms. The support elements can each additionally include a support beam that defines a minimum spacing between sheets when the IMLI structure is under a compressive load. Neighboring support elements can be interconnected to one another by beams.

1 . A multilayer thermal insulation support element, comprising:
 a first support surface;   a second support surface, wherein the first support surface is separated from the second support surface by at least a first distance;   a plurality of support arms interconnecting the first support surface to the second support surface, wherein each support arm in the plurality of support arms has a length that is greater than the first distance.   
     
     
         2 . The support element of  claim 1 , wherein the first support surface is separated from the second support surface by the first distance in a first load condition, wherein the first support surface is separated from the second support surface by a second distance in a second load condition, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. 
     
     
         3 . The support element of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of support arms are flexible, and wherein the plurality of support arms are flexed in the second load condition. 
     
     
         4 . The support element of  claim 1 , wherein three support arms are included in the plurality of support arms, and wherein the support arms form a tripod. 
     
     
         5 . The support element of  claim 1 , wherein the first support surface is coincident with a first plane and is defined by a top structure, wherein the second support surface is coincident with a second plane and is defined by a base structure, and wherein the first and second planes are parallel to one another. 
     
     
         6 . The support element of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of support arms extend radially from the top structure and define a conical section. 
     
     
         7 . The support element of  claim 5 , wherein the base structure is a ring. 
     
     
         8 . The support element of  claim 5 , wherein the top structure includes a plurality of support surface beams. 
     
     
         9 . The support element of  claim 1 , further comprising: a support beam, wherein the support beam has a length that is less than the first distance. 
     
     
         10 . The support element of  claim 9 , wherein the central beam extends from a top structure, wherein the support beam is centered between the plurality of support arms. 
     
     
         11 . A multilayer thermal insulation structure, comprising:
 a plurality of sheets;   a plurality of support elements, the plurality of support elements including a first support element, the first support element including:
 a first support surface, wherein a first sheet included in the plurality of sheets is in contact with the first support surface; 
 a second support surface, wherein a second sheet included in the plurality of sheets is in contact with the second support surface; 
 a plurality of support arms interconnecting the first support surface and the second support surface. 
   
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 11 , wherein a second support element included in the plurality of support elements has a first support surface in contact with the second sheet and a second support surface in contact with a third sheet included in the plurality of sheets. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 12 , wherein the second support surface of the first support element that is in contact with a first side of the second sheet, and wherein the first support surface of the second support element is in contact with a second side of the second sheet adjacent the second support surface of the first support element. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 11 , wherein a second support element included in the plurality of support elements has a first support surface in contact with the first sheet and a second support surface in contact with the second sheet. 
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 11 , wherein at least some of the support elements in the plurality of support elements include a support beam. 
     
     
         16 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second support elements each include a central support beam extending from the first support surface of the respective support element, wherein in a first state the support beam of the first support element is not in contact with the second sheet, and wherein in a second state the support beam of the first support element is in contact with the second sheet. 
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 11 , wherein the first support surface of the first support element defines a first plane, and wherein the support arms extend from a first support structure providing the first support surface at an angle and such that an obtuse angle is formed between any two of the support arms included in the plurality of support arms in a plane perpendicular to the first plane and coincident with a side surface of at least one of the support arms. 
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of sheets and the plurality of support elements are metalized such that the entire structure is electrically conductive. 
     
     
         19 . A method for insulating, comprising:
 providing at least first and second sheets;   interconnecting a first surface of a first support element to the first sheet;   interconnecting a second surface of the first support element to the second sheet, wherein the first surface of the first support element is formed by a support platform, wherein the second surface of the support element is formed by a base platform, wherein the support platform is interconnected to the base platform by a plurality of spaced apart, angled and radially extending support arms, and wherein at least a first portion of the first sheet and at least a first portion of the second sheet are spaced apart from one another by the first support element.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the first support element includes a support beam that extends from the support platform, the method further comprising:
 applying a compressive force, wherein the first sheet is forced towards the second sheet, wherein the radially extending support arms are flexed, and wherein the support beam is brought into contact with the second sheet.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising: removing the compressive force, wherein the support beam is moved out of contact with the second sheet.