Ice-Making Refrigerant Pipe Insulation to Prevent Frost

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Solution Overview

Problem

In direct cooling type ice making structures, refrigerant pipes within the ice making chamber are prone to frost formation due to temperature differences, and there is a need for effective insulation and secure fixation of these pipes to prevent frost and ensure reliable operation.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerant pipe insulator is used, which is supported by a body insulator foamed between the inner and outer cases of the refrigerator, and includes multiple sections that enclose and secure the refrigerant pipe, preventing movement and frost formation, while also guiding air flow to enhance thermal efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a refrigerant pipe is extended into the ice making chamber in a direct cooling type structure, then ice making efficiency is improved, but frost formation on the refrigerant pipe occurs due to temperature difference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice making rateVSAvoidfrost formation on refrigerant pipe

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A refrigerant pipe insulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the refrigerant pipe and the surrounding environment. This insulator prevents direct thermal contact between the cold refrigerant pipe and the warmer air in the ice making chamber, thereby eliminating frost formation while allowing the pipe to function effectively for ice production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerant pipe insulator is designed as a simple, cost-effective component that can be easily installed and replaced if necessary. It provides a practical, low-cost solution to the frost problem without requiring complex systems or expensive materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a refrigerant pipe is extended into the ice making chamber, then direct cooling function is achieved, but the refrigerant pipe requires secure fixation to prevent movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect cooling functionVSAvoidrefrigerant pipe fixation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerant pipe insulator is merged with the support case structure, combining the insulation function and the support function into a single integrated component. The insulator is received by the support case, which provides both thermal insulation and mechanical support to prevent pipe movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerant pipe insulator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation to prevent frost formation, acts as a support structure to hold the refrigerant pipe in place, and facilitates easy installation through its design that allows the pipe to be inserted and fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If insulation material is added around the refrigerant pipe, then frost prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrost preventionVSAvoidinsulation structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerant pipe insulator is designed as a flexible, pre-formed shell or tube that fits around the refrigerant pipe. This flexible insulation structure is simpler than rigid insulation systems, as it can be easily installed by sliding over the pipe and requires no additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps.

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

The solution effectively insulates and fixes the refrigerant pipe, preventing frost and ensuring efficient ice production by maintaining the refrigerant pipe's integrity and enhancing thermal performance within the ice making chamber.

Implementation Method 1

a body insulator foamed between the inner case and the outer case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a refrigerant pipe insulator enclosing the refrigerant pipe, to insulate and support the refrigerant pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a refrigerant pipe having at least a portion disposed in the ice making chamber, to supply cooling energy to the ice making chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9604324B2Refrigerator and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a refrigerator comprises preparing an inner case including an ice making chamber and an opening; preparing an outer case to be coupled to an outside of the inner case; preparing a refrigerant pipe assembly including a refrigerant pipe having at least a portion to be disposed in the ice making chamber to supply cooling energy, and a refrigerant pipe insulator to insulate the refrigerant pipe; inserting the refrigerant pipe assembly into the opening of the inner case in an inward direction from the outside of the inner case such that a portion of the refrigerant pipe insulator is disposed in the ice making chamber, and a remaining portion of the refrigerant pipe insulator is disposed between the inner case and the outer case; and foaming a body insulator between the inner case and the outer case, thereby supporting the refrigerant pipe insulator by the body insulator.