Connector assembly for vacuum insulated structures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies for vacuum insulated structures lack an efficient and secure mechanism for coupling with materials dispensers, leading to inefficiencies in the filling process and potential spills of insulation materials.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly featuring a base plate with apertures to receive projections from the structural wrapper, a fill tube aligned with the fill port, and a toggle magnet that magnetically engages the door, allowing secure coupling with a materials dispenser and minimizing spills.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a connector assembly is used to couple the door with a materials dispenser, then the fill process efficiency is improved, but the risk of insulation material spills increases without proper securing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill process efficiencyVSAvoidinsulation material spills

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is pre-configured with alignment features (protrusions and recesses) that automatically guide the materials dispenser into the correct position before filling begins. This preliminary alignment ensures that insulation materials are directed precisely into the fill port, preventing spills before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly acts as an intermediary component between the materials dispenser and the door. It provides a controlled interface that channels insulation materials through a defined path via the fill tube, preventing direct uncontrolled flow and minimizing the risk of spills during the filling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure coupling mechanism is implemented to prevent spills, then the reliability of the fill process is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill process reliabilityVSAvoidconnector assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a base plate for mounting, a fill tube for material transport, alignment protrusions for positioning, and a toggle magnet for secure coupling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and not overly complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The toggle magnet replaces traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms (such as screws, clips, or latches) with a magnetic coupling system. This substitution simplifies the coupling process by eliminating complex mechanical assemblies while providing reliable securement through magnetic force, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the connector assembly is easily detachable for disengagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security of coupling may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisengagement easeVSAvoidcoupling security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The toggle magnet provides a dynamic coupling mechanism that can easily transition between coupled and uncoupled states. When activated, the magnetic force securely holds the connector assembly to the door; when deactivated, the coupling releases easily. This dynamic特性 allows the system to switch between secure attachment and easy disengagement as needed, satisfying both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling strength of the toggle magnet can be adjusted by changing operational parameters such as magnetic field intensity or activation state. This allows the system to provide strong securement when coupling is required while enabling easy release when disengagement is needed, effectively reconciling the contradiction between coupling security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 connector assembly enables a more efficient fill process by guiding insulation materials directly into the insulating cavity while minimizing spills, with the toggle magnet ensuring secure engagement and easy disengagement.

Implementation Method 1

The toggle magnet is configured to magnetically engage the door when in the activated state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic engagement: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20230152032A1Connector assembly for vacuum insulated structures

Publication Date: 2023.05.18 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A connector assembly includes a base plate that defines a fill opening and an aperture. A fill tube is coupled to a first side of the base plate. The fill tube is aligned with the fill opening. A radial flange is coupled to a second side of the base plate. The radial flange extends around the fill opening. A toggle magnet is coupled to the first side of the base plate proximate to the aperture. The toggle magnet is operable between an activated state and a deactivated state.