Multi-layer encapsulation system for joint sealing of vacuum insulated cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation structures for appliances face challenges in achieving hermetic sealing and compatibility between different adhesive materials used in multi-layer encapsulation systems, leading to potential chemical reactions and increased permeability of gases and vapors.
Innovation Solution
A composite encapsulation system is introduced, featuring a base adhesive and an outer adhesive separated by a medial buffer layer, which prevents direct contact and chemical incompatibility, enhancing structural and sealing capabilities while reducing permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple adhesive materials are used in multi-layer encapsulation systems, then structural and sealing capabilities are improved, but chemical incompatibility and increased permeability occur
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier layer is introduced between the first adhesive material and the second adhesive material to prevent direct chemical contact. This intermediary layer acts as a chemical barrier that allows both adhesives to maintain their functional properties without reacting with each other, thereby enabling multi-layer encapsulation with improved reliability while eliminating harmful chemical interactions.
2Reliability
If multiple adhesive materials are used in multi-layer encapsulation systems, then structural and sealing capabilities are improved, but gas and vapor permeability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation system employs a composite structure consisting of multiple adhesive materials bonded to form a unified hermetic seal. The barrier layer integrates with both adhesive materials to create a composite material system where the combined structure provides superior gas and vapor permeation resistance compared to individual adhesive layers, while maintaining structural integrity and sealing capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive materials are applied directly without separation, then manufacturing process is simplified, but chemical incompatibility leads to seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer serves as a separation medium that enables the application of multiple adhesive materials in sequence without direct interaction. This intermediary structure allows manufacturers to apply adhesives with different chemical compositions and curing requirements without concern for incompatibility, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable, compatible bonding across all layers.
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 system effectively hermetically seals the insulating cavity, reducing gas and vapor permeation, and allowing for the use of a wide range of adhesives, thereby extending the life of the insulation and maintaining a partial vacuum within the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
a base adhesive and an outer adhesive, each forming a structural component and a sealing component
Implementation Method 2
a base adhesive and an outer adhesive separated by a medial buffer layer, which prevents direct contact and chemical incompatibility
Implementation Method 3
reducing permeability... reducing gas and vapor permeation
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance includes an outer wrapper, an inner liner, a trim breaker having a channel that receives at least one of a wrapper edge of the outer wrapper and a liner edge of the inner liner, and a composite encapsulation system that hermetically seals an insulating cavity defined between the outer wrapper and the inner liner. The composite encapsulation system includes a base adhesive and an outer adhesive, wherein the base adhesive defines a structural adhesive component and the outer adhesive defines a sealing adhesive component.