Insulated structure for an appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated structures for appliances lack an efficient method to establish and monitor less-than-atmospheric pressure within their cavities without compromising the seal or damaging pressure sensors.
Innovation Solution
An insulated structure for appliances that includes a cavity with an aperture for evacuating to establish less-than-atmospheric pressure, a base structure aligned with the aperture that houses a microelectromechanical pressure sensor, and a cover that remains sealed over the pressure-sensing assembly regardless of its coupled or decoupled state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an aperture is created in the insulated structure for pressure monitoring, then pressure sensing capability is improved, but the seal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is nested within a recess in the base structure, which is itself nested within the insulated structure. The aperture is positioned to align with this nested arrangement, allowing the sensor to sense pressure through the recess without compromising the outer seal integrity. The cover structure nests over the aperture when decoupled, providing an additional layer of sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the base structure acts as an intermediary chamber between the aperture and the pressure sensor. This recess allows the sensor to be positioned such that it can detect pressure differential across the insulated structure without requiring a direct opening that would compromise the seal. The cover structure also serves as an intermediary sealing element.
2Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor is exposed to the aperture for sensing, then pressure monitoring is improved, but the pressure sensor becomes vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is nested within a recess in the base structure, which provides physical protection. The cover structure can be positioned to nest over the aperture, creating a protective enclosure for the sensor while still allowing pressure sensing through the aligned aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the base structure provides beforehand cushioning protection for the pressure sensor by creating a protective chamber. The cover structure, when positioned over the aperture, provides additional beforehand cushioning protection, shielding the sensor from potential damage while maintaining pressure sensing capability.
3Ease of repair
If the cover is made removable for sensor access, then ease of maintenance is improved, but seal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is designed to be dynamically positionable - it can be coupled to the base structure to maintain seal integrity, or decoupled to provide access to the pressure sensor for maintenance. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to switch between protected/sealed state and accessible/maintenance state.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure is segmented as a separate, removable component from the base structure. This segmentation allows the cover to be independently positioned - coupled to maintain sealing or decoupled for sensor access - without compromising the integrity of the main insulated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated structure for an appliance includes a plurality of walls, a cavity defined by the plurality of walls, and an aperture defined by one of the plurality of walls. The aperture is employed in evacuating the cavity to establish a less-than-atmospheric pressure within the cavity. A base structure is coupled to an interior surface of the one of the plurality of walls that defines the aperture. The base structure is aligned with the aperture. A pressure sensor is received by the base structure. The base structure and the pressure sensor together define a pressure-sensing assembly.