Polyurethane Refrigerator Door Frame to Cut Heat Loss and Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator closing systems face challenges in thermal efficiency due to thermally conductive materials, require complex production and assembly processes, and suffer from condensation issues at anchor points, leading to increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A closing system made from high-density polyurethane through moulding techniques, with structural reinforcing elements and modular design, providing improved thermal insulation and reduced condensation formation, while simplifying production and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic fixing bodies and thermally conductive materials are used to make the fixed frame and door frame, then high resistance to stress and structural strength are achieved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates and condensation forms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polyurethane (providing thermal insulation) with metallic reinforcing elements (providing structural strength). The fixed frame and door frame are made of polyurethane material that includes metallic reinforcing elements, creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves both thermal insulation and mechanical strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using metallic reinforcing elements only in specific locations where structural strength is needed, rather than making the entire frame from metal. The polyurethane material is used for the bulk of the frame structure where thermal insulation is required, while metallic elements are locally inserted to provide reinforcement at critical stress points.
2Strength
If metallic fixing bodies are used to anchor the closing system to the refrigerator frame, then high fixing strength is achieved, but thermal conductivity increases causing condensation and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polyurethane (providing thermal insulation) with metallic reinforcing elements (providing structural strength). The fixed frame and door frame are made of polyurethane material that includes metallic reinforcing elements, creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves both thermal insulation and mechanical strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using metallic reinforcing elements only in specific locations where structural strength is needed, rather than making the entire frame from metal. The polyurethane material is used for the bulk of the frame structure where thermal insulation is required, while metallic elements are locally inserted to provide reinforcement at critical stress points.
3Strength
If section bars in aluminium or composite materials are used for the fixed frame and door frame, then structural resistance is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the functions of multiple separate components into a single integrated structure. The fixed frame and door frame are produced as single-piece moulded components with reinforcing elements already embedded within the polyurethane material, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-embedding the metallic reinforcing elements within the polyurethane material during the moulding process. This preliminary incorporation of reinforcement elements eliminates the need for subsequent drilling, tapping, and assembly operations that would otherwise be required to install fastening means and structural reinforcements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical heating means are added to prevent condensation on the glass, then condensation is eliminated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by removing the need for electrical heating means entirely. The polyurethane material, with its inherent thermal insulation properties, prevents condensation formation on the glass by maintaining adequate temperature throughout the frame structure, thereby eliminating the requirement for additional active heating systems and their associated energy consumption.
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 polyurethane-based closing system enhances thermal efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes condensation, offering a cost-effective and reliable solution for refrigerators of various sizes with reversible door opening directions.
Implementation Method 1
both the fixed frame and the door frame are made of high density polyurethane... the materials typically used to make the section bars that constitute the fixed frame and the movable frame are thermally conductive materials, which thus tend to reduce the thermal efficiency of the closing system
Implementation Method 2
the high thermal conductivity of these materials favours the formation of condensation that accumulates in proximity to the fixing bodies
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~7
AI summary
The present invention concerns a closing system (1) for refrigerators, comprising: at least one fixed frame (3) suited to be attached to the opening of a refrigerator (F) and defining an opening suited to allow access to the inner volume of said refrigerator (F); at least one door (5) associated with said fixed frame (3), said at least one door (5) being movable with respect to said fixed frame (3) between a closed configuration, in which said door (5) is closed on said fixed frame (3), and an open configuration, in which said door (5) is open on said fixed frame (3), said at least one door (5) comprising a door frame (7) and a panel (9) fixed to said door frame (7) and preferably made of a transparent material. According to the invention, said fixed frame (3) and said door frame (7) are made of high density polyurethane by means of moulding techniques.