Refrigerating apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

In refrigerators, elements attached between the outer walls and the tub tend to shift during the polyurethane spraying process due to insufficient adhesive strength, leading to potential damage and scrapping of the cooling device.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device design featuring a connecting element with a fastening extension that is attached to the chamber before the insulation layer is injected, incorporating a flared portion for secure attachment and support extensions to prevent movement during polyurethane expansion, ensuring stability and preventing material leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive products are used to attach elements to the tub during polyurethane injection molding, then elements can be attached to the tub, but the adhesive strength is insufficient to withstand the polyurethane expansion force, causing elements to shift

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement attachmentVSAvoidelement position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element with mounting extension is pre-positioned and mechanically secured to the tub before polyurethane injection begins. The mounting extension protrudes into the tub interior, creating a mechanical anchor that prevents shifting during the subsequent polyurethane expansion process, eliminating the reliance on adhesive strength alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is divided into functional segments: a portion attached to the outer surface of the tub, a mounting extension protruding into the tub interior for mechanical anchoring, and support extensions for additional stabilization. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function in resisting polyurethane expansion forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If a complete mold is inserted into the tub to seal holes during polyurethane injection, then polyurethane cannot escape, but no additional protrusions can be created during filling to attach parts without damaging the tub

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolyurethane containmentVSAvoidelement attachment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Elements requiring attachment are pre-positioned on the tub exterior with mounting extensions that protrude into the tub interior before polyurethane injection begins. This preliminary positioning allows mechanical anchoring to be established before the complete mold is inserted and polyurethane expansion starts, avoiding the need to create protrusions during filling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting extension acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the tub exterior and interior spaces. It allows elements to be attached externally while providing mechanical anchoring internally, enabling element attachment without creating openings or protrusions that would compromise the complete mold sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If elements are attached to the outside of the tub during polyurethane injection molding, then connection to the tub is achieved, but adhesive strength is insufficient under polyurethane expansion pressure, leading to element shifting and potential device scrapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement attachment processVSAvoidrisk of device scrapping
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is pre-assembled with its mounting extension positioned to protrude into the tub interior before polyurethane injection begins. This preliminary mechanical anchoring configuration ensures that when polyurethane expansion forces act on the element, the mounting extension already provides structural support, preventing shifting and eliminating the need for scrapping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting extension protruding into the tub interior provides beforehand mechanical support and cushioning against the polyurethane expansion forces. This pre-positioned structural element absorbs and distributes the expansion pressure, preventing the adhesive bond from failing and avoiding element shifting that would lead to device scrapping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 secures elements to the tub, preventing shifting and damage during polyurethane expansion, ensuring the cooling device's integrity and preventing material leakage, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the refrigerator.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating layer (2) that fills the space between the chamber and the outer wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The expanding polyurethane spreads rapidly between the outer walls and the tub, filling the space between them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymer expansion: Foam

Data Source

PatentEP2132505B1Refrigerating apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2132505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2132505B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2132505B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a refrigerating apparatus, comprising a chamber (3, 4), at least one outer envelope (1) that encloses the outside of the chamber (3, 4), a connecting element (5), one end of which connects to the opening (31) provided on the chamber (3), and an insulating layer (2) that encloses the outer surface of said chamber (3) and fills the space between the outer wall (1) and the chamber. The inventive refrigerating apparatus further comprises at least one fixing extension (54), formed at the end of said connecting element (5) and disposed in the vicinity of the opening (31) and while being in contact with the interior of the adjacent chamber (3).