Multi-Layer Glass Door Panel Design for Appliance Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door bodies with glass surface panels face challenges in assembly due to large dimensions requiring precise matching, incomplete glass coverage leading to unsightly metal edges, and inadequate thermal insulation due to single-layer glass sealing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer glass door panel construction with outer, middle, and inner glass layers separated by sealing members and adhesive tape, filled with inert gas, and equipped with a heating element to prevent condensation, along with a sealing strip between the inner glass layer and the frame for improved fit and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If glass surface panel is inserted into positioning grooves from upper or lower end during assembly, then glass surface panel can be assembled to door frame, but assembly difficulty increases due to very good dimensional matching requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning protrusions and positioning grooves as intermediary elements between the glass surface panel and door frame. The positioning protrusions on the glass panel fit into corresponding grooves on the door frame, providing automatic alignment and reducing the need for high-dimensional matching during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the glass surface panel into multiple layers (first glass layer, second glass layer, third glass layer) with each layer having specific functions. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process by distributing functions across multiple components.
2Ease of manufacture
If positioning grooves and metal plate are provided on door frame, then glass surface panel can be positioned and fastened, but glass surface panel cannot cover entire front surface leaving unsightly metal edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning and fastening functions from the visible front surface of the door frame and relocates them to the edges and rear portions. The positioning grooves are formed on the side edges rather than the front surface, and the fastening structure is designed to be hidden, allowing the glass panel to cover the entire front surface without exposing metal edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions: the front surface maintains a clean glass appearance, while the side edges contain the positioning grooves and fastening structures. This local differentiation allows the front surface to be aesthetically pleasing while the edges perform the necessary mechanical functions.
3Device complexity
If glass surface panel has only two separate glass layers, then structure is simple, but sealing against door frame is not compact impairing thermal insulation properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an asymmetric multi-layer glass structure where each layer has different thicknesses and positions. The first, second, and third glass layers are arranged asymmetrically with sealing members positioned at specific locations, creating a more effective thermal barrier compared to symmetric two-layer structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple glass layers with different properties and materials including sealing members (rubber or foam), inert gas filling, and heating elements. This composite structure enhances thermal insulation by creating multiple thermal barriers and eliminating thermal bridges through the use of low-conductivity materials.
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
Simplifies assembly, enhances thermal insulation, and provides a visually appealing, compact door body with improved sealing and reduced thermal conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
the middle glass surface panel layer is connected to the outer glass surface panel layer and the inner glass surface panel layer by sealing members, respectively, so that sealing cavities are formed between two adjacent glass surface panel layers
Implementation Method 2
The sealing cavities can be filled with inert gas - for example with argon or with helium
Implementation Method 3
at least one glass surface panel layer is fixed to the frame by adhesive members
Implementation Method 4
a heating element for preventing the formation of condensation is provided on the outer glass surface panel layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A door body (1) for installation on electric domestic appliances, said door body having a frame (2) and a glass door plate (3) fastened to the frame referred to above, wherein the glass door plate referred to above has an outer glass surface plate layer (30), a central glass surface plate layer (32) and an inner glass surface plate layer (34) separately from one another, wherein the central glass surface plate layer is connected in each case to the outer glass surface plate layer and inner glass surface plate layer by sealing elements (5) such that a sealing cavity (31) is formed between two adjacent glass surface plate layers (30, 32, 34), and wherein at least one glass surface plate layer is fastened to the frame by an adhesive element (6). The multi-layered glass surface plate improves the external appearance of the door body and ensures better thermal insulation properties.