Detachable VIP Refrigerator Frame for Condensation-Free Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerators face issues with water condensation on the frame due to the alignment of the door and frame, leading to maintenance difficulties and high energy consumption from electrical heating to prevent condensation, while vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) are prone to damage when used in the foam interlayer, reducing insulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A frame with vacuum insulation panel material placed inside, adjacent to the front surface, forming a detachable chamber with a component-body part and component-cover part, and optionally combined with foam heat-insulation material, to prevent water condensation and allow for easy replacement of damaged VIPs, eliminating the need for electrical heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the frame is installed with an electrical heating function to prevent water condensation, then the condensation problem is solved, but the energy consumption increases considerably and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the frame system by removing the electrical heating components entirely. Instead, it uses a detachable insulating panel that can be installed in the frame to provide thermal insulation passively, eliminating the need for active electrical heating while preventing condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating panel provides passive thermal insulation that automatically prevents condensation without requiring external energy input. The system serves itself by using the inherent insulating properties of the panel material to maintain frame temperature and prevent moisture condensation.
2Loss of energy
If a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) is placed directly in the foam interlayer, then the insulation effect is improved, but the coating layer breaks and the core absorbs water reducing VIP performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insulation system into two separate components: a rigid frame structure and a detachable insulating panel that contains the VIP material. This segmentation allows the VIP to be protected within the panel assembly rather than being directly exposed to the foam interlayer, preventing coating layer damage and water absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable insulating panel acts as an intermediary structure that houses the VIP material. This panel provides mechanical protection to the VIP's coating layer and prevents direct contact with water and foam materials, while still allowing the VIP to provide its high-performance thermal insulation function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is aligned with the outer edges of the door body to match the opening, then the structural integrity is maintained, but water condensation forms on the frame when the door is frequently opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensation prevention function from the frame's structural alignment by adding a separate insulating panel. The frame maintains its alignment with the door for structural stability, while the detachable insulating panel is installed on the frame's outer surface to prevent condensation without interfering with the structural relationship.
4Ease of repair
If the insulating panel is made detachable with component-body and component-cover parts, then the VIP replacement becomes easy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating panel is segmented into a component-body part and a component-cover part that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the VIP material to be accessed and replaced by simply detaching the cover, without requiring disassembly of the entire frame structure. The modular design simplifies repair while maintaining acceptable structural complexity.
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 prevents water condensation on the frame, enhances energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer, and simplifies maintenance by allowing easy replacement of VIPs, thereby optimizing food storage conditions without the need for electrical heating.
Implementation Method 1
a VIP material is placed inside of the at least one frame component
Implementation Method 2
VIP material...adjacent the component's front surface...prevent water condensation
Implementation Method 3
a foam heat-insulation material is further placed inside the at least one component
Data Source
AI summary
A frame and a refrigerating apparatus that uses the frame, the frame is composed by at least one frame component, wherein a vacuum insulation panel material is placed inside of the at least one frame component. The frame is capable of preventing the accumulation of water condensation along the frame, has both a better heat insulation effect and an energy-saving effect.