Refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerators face challenges in effectively dissipating heat generated by lighting devices, which can lead to overheating of the door's front surface, potential damage to the lighting device from static electricity, and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a refrigerator design that includes a panel assembly with a light supporter made of an electrical insulation material, which supports the lighting device and facilitates efficient heat dissipation through a back cover made of a metal material, thereby preventing overheating and static electricity damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a lighting device is installed in the door to illuminate the storage space, then the illumination function is improved, but heat is generated that causes overheating of the door's front surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoiddoor front surface temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat generation issue from the lighting device by introducing a dedicated heat dissipation structure. The heat dissipation plate and heat dissipation fin separate the thermal management function from the illumination function, allowing the lighting device to operate without overheating the door front surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a third dimension to heat dissipation by introducing heat dissipation fins that extend in the vertical direction. This increases the heat dissipation surface area without occupying additional horizontal space, effectively managing heat while maintaining door compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If a metal back cover is used for heat dissipation, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but the lighting device is vulnerable to static electricity damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidlighting device durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrical insulation member as an intermediary between the metal back cover and the lighting device. This insulation member allows thermal contact for heat dissipation while blocking electrical conduction, preventing static electricity from reaching the lighting device through the metal back cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structure combining metal back cover for thermal conduction and electrical insulation material for electrical isolation. This composite approach simultaneously achieves excellent heat dissipation performance and protection against static electricity damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the door structure is made thicker to protect the lighting device, then reliability is improved, but the door thickness increases reducing design flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting device protectionVSAvoiddoor thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protection function into multiple thin layers: electrical insulation member, heat dissipation plate, and heat dissipation fin. This segmentation provides comprehensive protection against static electricity and heat while maintaining minimal overall thickness, avoiding the need for a single thick protective layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enhances heat dissipation performance, prevents excessive temperature increases on the door's front surface, and improves the durability of the lighting device by effectively managing heat and static electricity.

Implementation Method 1

heat generated during an operation of the lighting device is dissipated to a rear of the panel assembly through the back cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a light supporter formed of an electrical insulation material and configured to support the lighting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12241678B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including a cabinet defining a storage space, and a door including a door body configured to open and close the storage space and a panel assembly coupled to the door body, wherein the panel assembly includes a panel defining a front surface of the door and transmitting light therethrough, a back cover defining a rear surface of the panel assembly and formed of a metal material, a light device configured to emit light to the panel, and a light supporter formed of an electrical insulation material and configured to support the lighting device, and heat generated during an operation of the lighting device is dissipated to a rear of the panel assembly through the back cover.