Flexible passthrough insulation for VIS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinets face challenges in routing utility lines through insulated walls without compromising the airtight seal and insulation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A resilient insulating member with flexible flaps and apertures is used in conjunction with a pull sleeve to create an airtight seal for fluid and electrical conduits, allowing them to pass through the insulated wall while maintaining the vacuum integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If utility lines are routed through an insulated wall of a vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet, then the cabinet can accommodate evaporator and condenser assemblies, but the airtight seal and insulation efficiency are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to route utility linesVSAvoidairtight seal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane with radially outwardly extending flaps that can deform to accommodate conduits while maintaining the vacuum seal. The membrane acts as a flexible barrier that seals around the conduits, allowing utility lines to pass through the insulated wall without compromising the airtight integrity of the vacuum insulated cabinet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where conduits are positioned within apertures in the flexible membrane, which is itself positioned within the passthrough opening of the insulated wall. The flaps of the membrane can nest around the conduits, creating a sealed pathway that maintains the vacuum environment while accommodating the utility lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If a rigid insulating member is used in the passthrough opening, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to accommodate conduits and maintain seal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of insulating memberVSAvoidability to accommodate conduits

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static rigid insulating member to a dynamic flexible membrane structure. The membrane can deform and adapt its shape to accommodate conduits of various sizes and configurations while maintaining the seal. The radially outwardly extending flaps can flex to allow conduit insertion and adjustment, providing dynamic adaptability that rigid structures cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane with radially outwardly extending flaps replaces the rigid insulating member. This flexible structure can deform to accommodate conduits while maintaining the vacuum seal, providing both the necessary adaptability and structural integrity that a rigid member cannot achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conduits are routed through the insulated wall, then the refrigeration system functionality is improved, but the complexity of maintaining the airtight seal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of conduits accommodatedVSAvoidcomplexity of seal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane with radially outwardly extending flaps serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates seals around multiple conduits of varying sizes, allows for conduit adjustment and installation, and maintains the vacuum integrity. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate sealing mechanisms for each conduit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane structure can accommodate multiple conduits by deforming around each aperture, creating individual seals without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms for each conduit. The flexibility allows the membrane to adapt to the specific configuration and number of conduits needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This solution enables efficient routing of conduits while maintaining the insulation and airtight seal of the vacuum insulated cabinet, ensuring effective refrigeration and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A resilient insulating member is disposed in the passthrough opening. The resilient insulating member includes a plurality of outwardly-projecting flexible flaps engaging a surface of the passthrough opening, and forming an airtight seal between the resilient insulating member and the surface of the passthrough opening.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11175089B2Flexible passthrough insulation for VIS

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A refrigerator includes an insulated cabinet having a sidewall with a passthrough opening through the sidewall. A resilient insulating member is disposed in the passthrough opening. The resilient insulating member includes flaps that form an airtight seal between the resilient insulating member and the passthrough opening. At least one utility line extends through an aperture in the resilient insulating member. The utility line may comprise fluid conduit, electrical line, or the like that operably connect one or more components through the sidewall of the cabinet.