Hinge support assembly for a vacuum insulated appliance cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation structures for appliances with rotationally operable doors face challenges in maintaining the structural integrity of vacuum insulated panels due to the transfer of downward and rotational forces from the doors, which can compromise the hermetic seal and insulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A metallic frame is integrated within the insulation structure, featuring upper and lower hinge mounts connected by vertical frame members, which directs these forces away from the trim breaker and inner liner, maintaining the hinge mounts distal from the trim breaker and ensuring the integrity of the vacuum insulated cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hinge mounts are directly attached to the trim breaker and inner liner, then the door can be rotationally operable, but the downward and rotational forces from the door compromise the hermetic seal and insulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A metallic frame is introduced as an intermediary structural element between the door hinge mounts and the trim breaker/inner liner. This frame absorbs and redirects the downward and rotational forces from the operable door away from the hermetic seal, allowing the door to remain rotationally operable while protecting the seal integrity from force transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the metallic frame forms a separate force-bearing structure that is spatially divided from the hermetic seal assembly. By positioning the hinge mounts on the metallic frame rather than directly on the trim breaker, the force pathways are segmented and isolated from the seal-critical components
2Device complexity
If hinge mounts are positioned close to the trim breaker for compact design, then the appliance structure is more compact, but the insulation efficiency and hermetic seal are compromised due to force transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic frame serves as a mediator that enables compact positioning of hinge mounts near the trim breaker while preventing force transfer to the insulation structure. The frame acts as an isolated force conduit that maintains spatial compactness without compromising the thermal insulation performance of the vacuum insulated panels
3Reliability
If the metallic frame is positioned within the insulating cavity to maintain hinge mounts distal from the trim breaker, then the hermetic seal is protected, but the space for insulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic frame is strategically positioned only in the regions where force transmission must be isolated from the hermetic seal, rather than occupying the entire insulating cavity. This localized placement protects the seal integrity while minimizing the volume consumed by the frame, preserving maximum insulation space
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance includes a cabinet having an outer wrapper, an inner liner and a trim breaker defining a joint therebetween. The outer wrapper, inner liner and trim breaker define an insulating cavity. A vacuum insulated structure is disposed within the insulating cavity. A metallic frame is in communication with the outer wrapper and includes an upper hinge mount and a lower hinge mount that are connected by a vertical frame member. The metallic frame is at least partially disposed within the insulating cavity. A door panel is rotationally mounted to the cabinet via an upper hinge mounted to the upper hinge mount and a lower hinge mounted to the lower hinge mount.