Refrigeration appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration appliances face significant fire safety risks due to the high flammability of foam insulation materials used in thermal insulation, which can lead to the propagation of fires within the appliance's cabinet when the working chamber's components, such as the compressor, overheat.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one chamber wall made partially or entirely of self-extinguishing plastic material in the refrigeration appliance, specifically in areas where foam insulation contacts the chamber walls, to prevent fire from reaching the foam insulation and thereby mitigate the risk of cabinet-wide fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If foam insulation material is used to thermally insulate the compartment from the external environment, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but fire safety deteriorates due to high flammability of the foam material
Solution Approach 1:
A shield portion made of self-extinguishing plastic material is introduced as an intermediary element between the foam insulation material and the working chamber. This shield acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between flames and the flammable foam, thereby maintaining thermal insulation performance while improving fire safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber wall is constructed as a composite structure combining foam insulation material with a shield portion of self-extinguishing plastic material. This composite design allows the foam to provide thermal insulation while the self-extinguishing material provides fire protection, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and fire safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the working chamber contains electric components such as compressor, then refrigeration functionality is improved, but fire risk increases due to heat generation from these components
Solution Approach 1:
The self-extinguishing plastic shield serves as a protective intermediary between heat-generating electric components in the working chamber and the surrounding foam insulation. This shield prevents heat and potential flames from reaching the foam, allowing the electric components to function while mitigating fire risk.
3Ease of manufacture
If chamber walls are made of standard plastic material, then manufacturing ease is improved, but fire propagation risk worsens when chamber wall contacts foam insulation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire chamber wall from self-extinguishing material, only the specific shield portion that contacts the foam insulation is made from self-extinguishing plastic. This local application of fire-resistant material maintains manufacturing simplicity while effectively preventing fire propagation at the critical interface between chamber wall and foam.
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 use of self-extinguishing plastic materials in critical areas effectively prevents the spread of fire within the appliance, enhancing fire safety and compliance with safety standards by ensuring that the foam insulation does not ignite, thus protecting the entire cabinet from potential fires.
Implementation Method 1
at least one chamber wall comprises at least a shield portion made of self-extinguishing plastic (or polymeric) material
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigeration appliance (1; 101) comprising: an outer cabinet (2) and an inner liner (6; 106) defining at least one compartment (10; 110) for the storage of products to be cooled; a working chamber (20) apt to receive at least one component for the functioning of the appliance (1; 101); at least one chamber wall (30, 32; 130, 132) at least partially delimiting the working chamber (20) and a foam material arranged in a space provided between the chamber wall (30, 32; 130, 132) and the outer cabinet (2) or between said at least one chamber wall (30, 32; 130, 132) and the inner liner (6; 106). Said at least one chamber wall (30, 32; 130, 132) comprises at least a shield portion (31, 33; 130, 132) made of self-extinguishing plastic material, wherein the shield portion (31, 33; 130, 132) is arranged in said at least one chamber wall (30, 32; 130, 132) at a position wherein the foam material contacts said at least one chamber wall (30, 32; 130, 132).