Method and apparatus for the evaluation of vacuum insulation panels

A vacuum detection indicator for detecting the presence of a vacuum in a vacuum insulated panel, said vacuum detection indicator comprising:

• a spring device operatively configured within a cavity of a core material of the vacuum insulated panel, such that said spring device is compressed when the vacuum is present within the vacuum insulated panel, and said spring device is expanded when the vacuum is absent within the vacuum insulated panel, wherein said spring device comprises:
• a spring member attached to a bottom portion of the cavity and operatively coupled with a portion of a barrier film covering the cavity;
• and
• electrical contacts configured above the cavity of the core material, said electrical contacts configured to connect to said barrier film when the vacuum within the vacuum insulated panel is lost.

A vacuum insulated panel for use in temperature sensitive applications, said vacuum insulated panel comprising:

• an open-cell insulated core material;
• a barrier film enclosing said core material and configured for maintaining a vacuum within said vacuum insulated panel;
• and
• a vacuum detection indicator, said vacuum detection indicator configured for facilitating an evaluation of the vacuum within said vacuum insulated panel, said vacuum detection indicator comprising:
• a spring member operatively configured within a cavity of a core material of the vacuum insulated panel, such that said spring member is compressed when the vacuum is present within the vacuum insulated panel, and said spring member is expanded when the vacuum is absent within the vacuum insulated panel, said spring member attached to a bottom portion of the cavity;
• a base member attached to said spring device and being configured to interface with a portion of a barrier film covering the cavity;
• and
• electrical contacts configured above the cavity of the core material, said electrical contacts configured to have electrical connection through said barrier film when the vacuum within the vacuum insulated panel is lost.