Refrigerator appliance and a method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present subject matter provides a refrigerator appliance and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes applying a polyurethane elastomer onto a surface of an inner liner of the refrigerator appliance and injecting a polyurethane foam into a cavity defined between an outer case of the refrigerator appliance and the inner liner. The polyurethane elastomer can limit or prevent leakage of the polyurethane foam from the cavity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances and methods for manufacturing the same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Certain refrigerator appliances include double wall cabinets with inner liners and outer cases. In such refrigerator appliances, the inner liner and the outer case are spaced apart and define a cavity therebetween. An expandable foam material, such as a polyurethane foam, can be injected into the cavity between the inner liner and the outer case of the double wall cabinet in order to provide insulation within the double wall cabinet.[0003]During expansion of the foam material, the expandable foam material fills the cavity between the inner liner and the outer case of the double wall cabinet. However, the expandable foam material can also leak out of the cavity at a seam between the inner liner and the outer case or at holes or openings in the inner liner or outer case, and the leaked foam material can cure on the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a new way to make refrigeraturas that helps prevent foam from leaking out of the refrigerator. This is done by putting a special coating on the inside of the refrigerator and then putting the foam inside. The special coating helps keep the foam from leaking out and makes the refrigerator more reliable.

Problems solved by technology

Removing such leaked foam material can be difficult and time consuming.

In extreme cases, a refrigerator appliance is scrapped if removing such leaked foam material is impracticable or infeasible.

However, the Olefin material bonds poorly to the inner liner and the outer case.

Further, the Olefin material is dispensed at relatively high temperatures and accurately dispensing the Olefin material can be difficult.

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