Frameless Multi-Pane Refrigerator Door for Maximum Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators have a metal frame around the glass panes of their doors, which obstructs the view into the cooling space from the outside and does not provide optimal transparency and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A vertical transparent spacer element made of a material like silicone, PMMA, or polycarbonate is used between the glass panes, eliminating the metal frame on the transparent edge and enhancing sealing, with an adhesive connection and a separate sealant strip for gas-tight insulation, and optionally a T-shaped profile for impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a metal frame element is used to support and seal the glass panes at the vertical edge, then the structural support and sealing function are provided, but the transparency and view into the refrigerator compartment are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal frame element from the vertical edge of the refrigerator door where it would obstruct the view. Instead, only transparent spacer elements are used at the vertical edges, extracting the obstructing metal frame from this specific location while maintaining structural support through alternative means (metal frames at horizontal edges and corner connections).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials to different locations: transparent spacer elements are used specifically at the vertical edges where transparency is most important for the view, while metal frame elements are retained at horizontal edges and corners where structural support is critical. This local differentiation optimizes both transparency and structural strength.
2Illumination intensity
If a transparent spacer element is used instead of a metal frame, then the transparency is improved, but the sealing function against gas escape and humidity entry must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing element as an intermediary component between the transparent spacer element and the glass panes. This sealing element (made of elastomeric or adhesive material) mediates between the transparent spacer and the glass, providing the gas-tight seal while allowing the spacer itself to remain transparent and non-obstructing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining transparent spacer elements (for transparency) with sealing elements made of elastomeric or adhesive materials (for sealing). This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function - the transparent spacer provides visibility while the sealing material provides the gas-tight barrier.
3Device complexity
If the spacer element serves both as structural support and sealing component, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transparency and sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functions by separating the transparent spacer element from the sealing function. The spacer element provides only spacing and structural support, while a separate sealing element provides the gas-tight seal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent spacer element serves multiple functions: it maintains the defined distance between glass panes, provides structural support, and serves as a mounting substrate for the sealing element. By making the spacer multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional components while maintaining transparency.
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 configuration maximizes transparency and maintains a gas-tight seal, ensuring better visibility and thermal insulation while protecting the glass panes from mechanical damage.
Implementation Method 1
the transparent spacer element seals the space between the two parallel glass panes from the environment, preventing gas in the space between the glass panes from escaping and ambient humidity from entering
Implementation Method 2
The space between the glass panes is preferably sealed gas-tight and serves primarily for thermal insulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerator (10) for storing food, comprising an access opening (16) which lies on a vertical plane and which can be closed by a pivotal or movable multi-paned refrigerator door (32, 32'). The refrigerator door (32, 32') has at least two mutually spaced transparent glass panes (54, 55) which are connected to each other at the edges by two vertical and two horizontal spacers (56', 57', 58', 59'). The spacers (56', 57', 58', 59') close the intermediate space (62) between the glass panes in a gas-tight manner. At least one vertical edge of the refrigerator door (32, 32') is provided with a transparent spacer (57') but not with a supporting frame element, however. In this manner, a maximum transparency of the refrigerator door from all viewing angles is achieved.