Refrigerator Door Frame Profile with Variable-Thickness Polymer Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators and freezers face manufacturing complexity and expense, suboptimal appearance, and energy inefficiency due to complicated door assembly designs and composite glass panes that allow cooled air to escape.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator and freezer design featuring a frame profile with a base layer and cover layer made of polymer materials, where the cover layer has increased thickness in corner areas and a beveled design, creating a 3D glass effect and improved energy efficiency, along with the use of different materials for varying light transmission and gloss levels for a visually appealing and cost-effective door assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a composite glass pane is used for the door element, then the visual appearance and quality are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a polymer frame profile with beveled edges that visually mimics the appearance of metal or premium materials, creating a high-quality visual impression without using expensive composite materials. The cover layer with varying thickness and bevels copies the aesthetic effect of sophisticated door designs while using cost-effective polymer materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wall thickness parameter of the cover layer in different regions (thicker in corner areas, thinner in side areas) to create visual depth and a 3D effect. This parameter variation allows the frame to achieve a premium appearance similar to multi-layer composite structures without the manufacturing complexity of actual composite materials.
2Shape
If the glass pane extends to the edge area of the device body, then the visual appearance is improved, but cooled air reaches the seal or device body causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a polymer frame profile with a cover layer that can be designed with varying thickness and flexibility. The beveled edges and thickness variations create thermal breaks and insulation barriers that prevent cooled air from directly reaching the seal or device body, while still allowing the glass pane to extend to the edge for visual appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect by creating beveled edges and varying thickness in the cover layer, which introduces thermal resistance in the third dimension (depth/thickness) rather than just relying on the two-dimensional surface area of the glass pane. This creates thermal barriers that prevent energy loss while maintaining the extended visual appearance.
3Strength
If the cover layer has greater thickness in corner areas, then structural rigidity and visual appeal are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cover layer thickness specifically in corner areas (thicker) versus side areas (thinner). This localized thickness variation provides enhanced structural rigidity where it is most needed (at corners) while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single molded piece with integrated thickness variations, rather than assembling multiple components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration and/or freezing appliance comprising an appliance carcass (1) and a door assembly (2), having a door element (3), wherein the door element (3) is arranged at the edge section (5) thereof on a frame profile (6), wherein the door assembly (2) is arranged on the appliance carcass (1) by means of at least one sealing element (7) when in the closed position, which appliance is characterised in that the frame profile (6) has a base layer (8) and at least one covering layer (9), which is connected to the latter, on at least one side as seen in the profile longitudinal direction, wherein the base layer (8) and the covering layer (9) are produced from a polymer material, wherein the covering layer (9) has a greater wall thickness in at least one corner region (60) of the frame profile (6) than in a side region (61, 62) as seen in the profile longitudinal direction.