Refrigerator Rear Wall Protuberances for Insulation Bubble Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The expansion of insulating materials in refrigerator/freezer bodies causes deformation of the back panel due to air bubbles compressing and forming bumps, leading to damage and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A rear wall with protuberances or bumps is designed to hide impurities formed during insulating material injection, using a cellulosic material for the back panel, which provides a stress-resistant structure and aesthetic appearance, with a pattern of hexagonal elevations to distribute pressure effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If expanding insulating material is used to fill the space between inner liner and outer shell, then insulation performance is improved, but air bubbles are compressed and form bumps on the back panel causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The back panel is pre-formed with recesses before the insulating material is injected. These recesses are strategically positioned to capture and hide air bubbles and inhomogeneities that will form during the expansion of the insulating material, preventing them from deforming the visible surface of the back panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of air bubbles (which cause deformation) into a beneficial feature by providing recesses that intentionally capture and hide these bubbles. The air bubbles, instead of forming unwanted bumps on the surface, are directed into predetermined recesses where they become hidden within the insulating material structure.
2Shape
If protuberances are added to hide impurities, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses in the back panel serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural reinforcement to the panel, and they hide air bubbles and inhomogeneities to maintain aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate decorative elements, thereby not increasing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If cellulosic material is used for back panel, then cost is reduced and bump formation is facilitated, but stress resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The back panel is constructed as a composite structure combining cellulosic material (such as cardboard) with reinforcing elements. This composite construction maintains the cost advantages and ease of bump formation provided by cellulosic material while the reinforcing elements provide the necessary stress resistance and structural strength.
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
Prevents deformation of the back panel by hiding air bubbles and inhomogeneities within the bumps, maintaining the original shape and providing an aesthetically pleasing, durable structure without significant mold modifications.
Implementation Method 1
As the expanding insulating material moves so as to fill up the space between the inner liner and the outer shell, it puts pressure on the inner liner and on the outer shell. With the expansion of the insulating material, the air bubbles in the space can be compressed without being released.
Implementation Method 2
With the expansion of the insulating material, the air bubbles in the space can be compressed without being released. In this case, the air bubbles press the back panel so as to form a bump on the hardening insulating material and deform the back panel.
Implementation Method 3
at least one protuberance is provided which hides the impurities formed during the injection of the insulating material and which protrudes outwards from the rear wall. Thus, the impurities formed during the injection of the insulating material fill the cavity formed by the bump on the back panel, and the impurities form a pressure, and the undesired deformation of the back panel is prevented.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention is a refrigerator/freezer comprising a body (10) having an outer shell (16) and an inner lining (12); an insulating material (14) disposed between the inner liner (12) and an outer shell (16); and a rear wall (30) forming the rear portion of the outer shell (16). At least one elevation (30) is provided which hides the impurities formed during the injection of the insulating material (14) and which protrudes outwards from the rear wall (30).