Double-Cabinet Refrigerator with Foamed Mullion for Vacuum Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating structures for appliances face challenges in maintaining vacuum integrity and preventing deformation due to rotational and downward forces from appliance doors, which can lead to loss of insulating capability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component insulation structure featuring a rigid perimeter wall with integrated hinge supports and injection molded trim breakers, along with vacuum insulated structures, that directs forces away from the insulation compartments, ensuring structural support without compromising vacuum pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid perimeter wall with hinge supports is integrated into the insulation structure, then structural support and door force resistance are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the perimeter wall, hinge supports, and insulation structure into a single integrated component. The rigid perimeter wall serves dual purposes: providing structural support for the door hinges and forming the boundary of the insulation compartment, eliminating the need for separate structural and insulation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid perimeter wall performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element for door hinges, forms the boundary of the insulation compartment, and provides mounting surfaces for other appliance components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts needed in the appliance structure.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulated structures are used, then insulating efficiency is improved, but susceptibility to deformation from door forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insulation system into separate vacuum insulated structures for different compartments (refrigeration and freezing). Each vacuum insulated structure is independently supported by the rigid perimeter wall, isolating them from each other's mechanical stresses and preventing force transmission that could compromise vacuum integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid perimeter wall acts as an intermediary element between the door forces and the vacuum insulated structures. It absorbs and redirects the rotational and downward forces from door operation, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the vacuum insulated structures and maintaining their structural integrity.
3Reliability
If injection molded trim breakers are added to seal vacuum compartments, then vacuum integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim breaker is integrated directly into the vacuum insulated structure during the injection molding process. The sealing element becomes an integral part of the vacuum compartment assembly, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining vacuum integrity.
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 maintains vacuum integrity and prevents deformation, enhancing the insulating efficiency and longevity of the appliance by transferring forces through the rigid perimeter wall and primary outer wrapper, thus minimizing stress on the vacuum insulated structures.
Implementation Method 1
a first vacuum insulated structure having a first set of sidewalls that define a first refrigerating compartment, a second vacuum insulated structure having a second set of sidewalls that define a second refrigerating compartment
Implementation Method 2
The rigid perimeter wall defines an insulating cavity that is filled with an insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
An insulation system for an appliance includes a first vacuum insulated structure having a first set of sidewalls that define a first refrigerating compartment, a second vacuum insulated structure having a second set of sidewalls that define a second refrigerating compartment and a medial insulation structure having a rigid perimeter wall. The rigid perimeter wall includes a front portion that defines at least one hinge support adapted to support an appliance door. The rigid perimeter wall defines an insulating cavity that is filled with an insulating material. The first vacuum insulated structure engages a first edge of the perimeter wall and the second vacuum insulated structure engages a second edge of the perimeter wall.