Refrigerant Pipe Insulator Assembly for Frost-Free Ice Making
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In direct cooling type ice making structures, refrigerant pipes within the ice making chamber are prone to frost formation due to temperature differences, and there is a need for effective insulation and secure fixation of these pipes to prevent frost and ensure efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant pipe insulator is used, which is supported by a body insulator foamed between the inner and outer cases of the refrigerator, and includes multiple sections with accommodation grooves to securely enclose and stabilize the refrigerant pipe, preventing movement and frost formation, while also guiding air flow for enhanced thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a refrigerant pipe is extended into the ice making chamber in a direct cooling type structure, then ice making efficiency is improved, but frost formation on the refrigerant pipe occurs due to temperature difference
Solution Approach 1:
A refrigerant pipe insulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the refrigerant pipe and the surrounding environment. This insulator extends through the inner case opening and is supported by the body insulator, creating a thermal barrier that prevents frost formation while allowing the pipe to function in the ice making chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant pipe insulator is designed to extend in multiple spatial dimensions - partially inside the ice making chamber and partially outside, supported by the body insulator structure. This multi-dimensional positioning allows the insulator to protect the pipe from frost while maintaining the direct cooling function.
2Productivity
If a refrigerant pipe is extended into the ice making chamber, then direct cooling function is achieved, but the refrigerant pipe requires additional fixation structures
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant pipe insulator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation to prevent frost formation, acts as a support structure to fix the pipe position, and extends through the inner case opening to connect different spatial zones. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixation structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation function and fixation function are merged into a single integrated component - the refrigerant pipe insulator. By combining these two functions into one structure supported by the body insulator, the overall device complexity is reduced while achieving both insulation and secure pipe positioning.
3Reliability
If the refrigerant pipe is insulated and fixed using a structure supported by the body insulator, then frost prevention is improved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant pipe insulator is pre-assembled with the refrigerant pipe before installation into the refrigerator body. This preliminary assembly simplifies the final installation process, as the insulator- pipe assembly can be installed as a single unit through the inner case opening and secured by the body insulator structure.
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 solution effectively insulates and fixes the refrigerant pipe, preventing frost and ensuring efficient ice production by maintaining the refrigerant pipe's stability and thermal performance, thus enhancing the overall operation of the ice making chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a body insulator foamed between the inner case and the outer case, and a refrigerant pipe insulator enclosing the refrigerant pipe, to insulate and support the refrigerant pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator in which a refrigerant pipe assembly including a refrigerant pipe and a refrigerant pipe insulator coupled to the refrigerant pipe is inserted into an inner case in an inward direction from an outside of the inner case through an opening of the inner case. A portion of the refrigerant pipe insulator is disposed in the ice making chamber, and a remaining portion of the refrigerant pipe insulator is disposed between the inner case and the outer case. The refrigerant pipe insulator portion disposed between the inner case and the outer case is supported by a body insulator foamed between the inner case and the outer case. In accordance with this structure, it is possible not only to insulate the refrigerant pipe, but also to easily insert the refrigerant pipe into the ice making chamber and to keep the refrigerant pipe in a firmly-supported state.