Multi-Zone Refrigerator Full Vacuum Insulation for Thermal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-zone refrigerators and freezers with multiple temperature zones lack effective thermal insulation, particularly in designs using foam insulation, which can compromise temperature separation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a full vacuum insulation system, utilizing a vacuum-tight film surrounding a core material like perlite, replaces traditional foam insulation to enhance thermal separation between zones, with an intermediate web connected to the inner container via non-positive or positive connections, and potentially incorporating a cross connector and refrigeration components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If foam insulation is used to provide thermal insulation in multi-zone refrigerators, then the thermal insulation is simple to implement, but the temperature separation between zones is compromised and thermal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate rib structure entirely from the inner container design. By extracting this thermal bridge component, the invention eliminates the primary pathway for heat transfer between zones, thereby improving temperature separation and thermal efficiency without requiring additional insulation materials in the rib itself
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a thin film intermediate web instead of traditional foam-filled rigid ribs. This film structure provides sufficient thermal barrier functionality while minimizing conductive heat transfer pathways, achieving better temperature separation with reduced material thickness
2Temperature
If an insulated intermediate rib is used to separate zones, then thermal insulation is provided, but the structural complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the intermediate rib structure from the inner container, eliminating the need for complex insulation integration within structural ribs. This simplifies both the structural design and manufacturing processes while maintaining thermal insulation through alternative means
Solution Approach 2:
The film intermediate web serves multiple functions: it provides thermal insulation between zones, maintains structural integrity of the inner container, and enables zone separation without requiring additional dedicated insulation components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If foam insulation is used in multi-zone refrigerators, then the insulation is easy to manufacture, but the thermal insulation efficiency between zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foam filling process with a film-based thermal barrier system. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity through film formation techniques while achieving superior thermal insulation efficiency by eliminating conductive heat transfer through thick foam 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
This solution provides improved thermal insulation efficiency, allowing for precise temperature control between -3 °C and -18 °C in different zones, while maintaining structural stability and accommodating additional components within the reduced thickness of the intermediate web.
Implementation Method 1
the multi-zone refrigerator and/or freezer has thermal insulation in the form of a full vacuum insulation body
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation in the form of a full vacuum insulation body
Implementation Method 3
the intermediate web has thermal insulation in the form of polyurethane foam and/or a vacuum insulation body
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-zone cooling and/or freezing appliance with an inner container, wherein the inner container at least partially encloses two zones, in particular temperature zones, wherein the multi-zone cooling and/or freezing appliance has thermal insulation in the form of a full vacuum insulation body, wherein the zone separation is effected by an inserted intermediate partition.