Refrigerator Frame Structure Using VIPs to Prevent Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerators face challenges with water condensation on the frame due to temperature differences between the outside and inside, leading to maintenance difficulties and increased energy consumption from electrical heating to prevent condensation, while existing vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) are prone to damage and reduced insulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A frame with vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) integrated inside, adjacent to the front surface, forming a detachable chamber with foam heat-insulation material, which prevents water condensation and reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for electrical heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical heating function is installed on the frame to prevent water condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical heating system with a thermal insulation system using VIP materials. Instead of actively heating the frame to prevent condensation, the VIP panel passively insulates the frame from temperature differences, eliminating the need for electrical heating while preventing condensation formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical heating function from the refrigerator system. By implementing VIP insulation on the frame, the harmful condensation is prevented without requiring the energy-consuming heating system, thus taking out the unnecessary electrical heating component entirely.
2Loss of energy
If VIP material is directly placed in foam interlayer, then insulation effect is improved, but VIP coating layer breaks and core absorbs water reducing insulation effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insulation system into distinct functional components: a protective frame structure, a detachable chamber for VIP placement, and foam heat-insulation material. This segmentation allows the VIP to be properly protected within its chamber while maintaining insulation effectiveness, preventing the coating layer breakage that occurs with direct placement in foam interlayer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand protection for the VIP by placing it in a specially designed detachable chamber that protects the coating layer. This chamber structure prevents mechanical damage and water absorption before they can occur, ensuring the VIP maintains its insulation properties throughout operation.
3Loss of energy
If frame structure is fixed with VIP inside, then insulation performance is improved, but maintenance and VIP replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the VIP chamber detachable and movable rather than fixed. The chamber can be easily removed from the frame, allowing the VIP to be accessed, replaced, or maintained without disassembling the entire frame structure. This dynamic design maintains optimal insulation performance while greatly improving ease of repair and VIP replacement.
4Stability of the object's composition
If frame aligns with door body outer edges, then structural integration is improved, but water condensation forms on frame surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite insulation materials (VIP panel combined with foam heat-insulation material) on the frame to address the condensation issue. The VIP provides superior insulation at the frame surface where condensation occurs, while maintaining the frame's structural alignment with the door body. This composite approach preserves structural integration while eliminating condensation problems.
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 prevents water condensation on the frame, maintains optimal insulation, and simplifies maintenance by allowing easy replacement of damaged VIPs, thereby enhancing the energy-saving performance and storage capabilities of refrigerating apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a VIP material placed inside of the at least one frame component
Implementation Method 2
foam heat-insulation material placed inside the at least one frame component
Implementation Method 3
foam heat-insulation material placed inside the at least one frame component adjacent to the rear surface of the component
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A frame and a refrigerating apparatus that uses the frame, the frame is composed by at least one frame component, wherein a vacuum insulation panel material is placed inside of the at least one frame component. The frame is capable of preventing the accumulation of water condensation along the frame, has both a better heat insulation effect and an energy-saving effect.