Refrigerator Door Front Panel Release Layer Against Print Peeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerator door front panels with printed layers are prone to peeling due to the expansion of foamed materials inside the door, which compromises the aesthetic appearance and durability.

Innovation Solution

A release layer made of silicon is applied on the surface of the printed layer corresponding to the contours of openings in the door sash, allowing the foamed material to pull away from the printed layer, preventing peeling and maintaining the printed design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a printed layer is applied on the rear surface of the front panel for aesthetic appearance, then the visual appeal is improved, but the printed layer peels off due to expansion of the foamed material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddurability of printed layer
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A release layer is introduced as an intermediary between the printed layer and the foamed material. This release layer has different expansion characteristics compared to the printed layer, allowing it to absorb the expansion stress from the foamed material during refrigeration cycle operation, thereby preventing the printed layer from peeling off while maintaining the aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a release layer is added to prevent peeling of the printed layer, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of printed layerVSAvoidstructure of front panel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release layer is applied locally only in specific regions where peeling is most likely to occur, such as around the periphery and near structural joints of the front panel, rather than covering the entire surface. This localized application prevents peeling in critical areas while minimizing the addition of complexity and material cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 release layer effectively prevents the printed layer from peeling off, ensuring the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the refrigerator door by allowing the foamed material to displace the release layer instead, thus preserving the printed design.

Implementation Method 1

a foamed material is charged in a space defined by the front panel, the door sash, and the inner shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Implementation Method 2

a release layer formed on a surface of the printed layer to correspond to the contour of the at least one opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8714673B2Refrigerator door and refrigerator having the same
Publication Date: 2014.05.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8714673B2 patent drawing
  • US8714673B2 patent drawing
  • US8714673B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a refrigerator door having an improved configuration to prevent damage to a printed layer of a door front panel and a refrigerator having the same. The refrigerator includes a door to open and close a storage compartment. The door includes a front panel on a rear surface of which a printed layer is formed, a door sash coupled to the front panel and having at least one opening, and a foamed material charged in a space defined by the front panel and the door sash. The front panel includes a release layer formed on a surface of the printed layer to correspond to the contour of the at least one opening.