Vacuum adiabatic module, refrigerator, and method for fabricating the refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum adiabatic technologies for refrigerators face challenges such as increased fabrication costs, complex methods, difficulty in maintaining a stable vacuum state, and adiabatic inefficiencies due to gaps and deformations, limiting their applicability to general household refrigerators.
Innovation Solution
A modular vacuum adiabatic module comprising first and second plates with seals and supports, allowing for convenient fabrication and improved adiabatic efficiency by reducing thermal conduction and leakage, with reinforced coupling and reduced cool air leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foam urethane adiabatic wall with thickness of about 30 cm or more is provided, then adiabatic performance is improved, but internal volume of the refrigerator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the adiabatic medium from solid foam to vacuum (gas phase with near-zero pressure), fundamentally altering the heat transfer parameters. This allows achieving superior adiabatic performance with minimal wall thickness, thereby maximizing internal volume while maintaining excellent thermal insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the gas molecules from the adiabatic wall space, creating a vacuum environment. By removing the heat transfer medium (gas molecules) entirely, the wall achieves maximum adiabatic efficiency with minimal thickness, eliminating the trade-off between insulation performance and internal volume
2Reliability
If vacuum adiabatic panels are fixed to a frame, then adiabatic structure is formed, but coupling difficulty and adiabatic loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the frame structure with the vacuum adiabatic wall by integrally forming the frame from the same plate material, eliminating separate coupling operations. This integration prevents gaps and adiabatic losses at joints while simplifying the manufacturing process, as no additional coupling steps are required
Solution Approach 2:
The plate material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the vacuum adiabatic wall, creates the frame structure, and provides coupling between components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining adiabatic integrity
3Reliability
If vacuum is provided in the refrigerator wall, then adiabatic effect is enhanced, but deformation and vacuum maintenance difficulty occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies outward-bending extensions that act as counterbalancing structural elements, resisting the inward collapse force caused by vacuum pressure. These extensions create a pre-stressed structure that maintains dimensional stability and prevents deformation while preserving the vacuum adiabatic effect
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is pre-formed with outward-bending extensions before vacuum application, creating a structural configuration that inherently resists vacuum-induced deformation. This preliminary structural preparation ensures stable vacuum maintenance without requiring additional active support systems
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 modular design reduces stock costs, improves productivity, enhances energy efficiency, and prevents deformation, resulting in a reliable and cost-effective vacuum adiabatic refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
a third space having a temperature between a temperature of the first space and a temperature of the second space and being in a vacuum state
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum adiabatic body is a product for suppressing heat transfer by vacuuming the inside of a main body thereof. The vacuum adiabatic body may reduce heat transfer by convection and conduction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
Provided is a vacuum adiabatic body. The vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a first space, a second plate configured to define at least a portion of a wall for a second space having a temperature different from that of the first space, a seal configured to seal the first plate and the second plate so as to provide a third space that has a temperature between a temperature of the first space and a temperature of the second space and is in a vacuum state, and a support configured to maintain the third space. Therefore, the vacuum adiabatic module that is thermally insulated with the vacuum, independently applied at various places, and conveniently used may be realized.