Refrigerator including transparent panel assembly for refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs with transparent windows for viewing contents without opening the door face issues of increased weight, complex production processes, and reduced productivity due to the use of multiple glass layers, leading to operability and structural stability problems.
Innovation Solution
A transparent panel assembly comprising a front glass panel, a rear transparent panel, and an intermediate plastic member that is injection-molded to form a sealed insulation layer, allowing for see-through functionality while reducing weight and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple glass layers are arranged in a multi-stage structure to provide insulation and see-through functionality, then insulation performance and transparency are improved, but the weight of the door increases significantly, deteriorating operability and structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional multi-layer glass to a combination of transparent plastic panels and air gaps. This parameter change maintains the insulation function while significantly reducing the weight, as plastic materials have lower density than glass and the air gaps provide thermal insulation without adding weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of transparent plastic panels combined with air gaps. This composite design achieves both insulation performance (through the air gaps) and weight reduction (through the use of lightweight plastic materials), resolving the contradiction between insulation and weight.
2Temperature
If multiple glass layers are joined together with barrels and sealants to create a multi-stage structure, then insulation and transparency are achieved, but the production process becomes complicated and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the multiple components (panels, gaps, sealing structures) into a single integrated transparent panel assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex assembly processes involving multiple barrels and sealants, thereby simplifying production and improving productivity while maintaining insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent panel assembly is designed as a segmented structure with discrete panels and air gaps that can be manufactured separately and then easily assembled. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process for each component and facilitates quality control, improving overall production efficiency.
3Temperature
If a multi-stage glass structure is used to provide insulation, then thermal performance is improved, but the manufacturing process takes a long time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from glass to transparent plastic, which is easier to manufacture and process. Plastic materials can be molded more quickly and at lower costs than glass, while still providing the necessary transparency and insulation when combined with air gaps, thus improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of transparent plastic panels with air gaps provides insulation performance comparable to or better than multi-layer glass, while being significantly easier and less expensive to manufacture. The plastic materials can be produced through standard molding processes, reducing both time and cost.
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 improves productivity and reduces manufacturing costs by using injection-molded transparent plastic components, enhances insulation performance, and simplifies assembly, while maintaining light weight and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent panel assembly mounted on the door to see through a space behind the door
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate member connected between the front panel and the rear panel... to partition a gap between the front panel and the rear panel to thereby form a sealed insulation layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises: a front panel defining at least a part of a front appearance of a refrigerator door and made of a glass material; a rear panel defining at least a part of a rear appearance of the refrigerator door and made of a transparent material; and an intermediate member connected between the front panel and the rear panel and made of a transparent plastic member, wherein the intermediate member comprises: an edge portion having both ends connected to a screening area formed at peripheries of the front panel and the rear panel; and a partition portion formed to cross an inner surface of the edge portion to partition a gap between the front panel and the rear panel to thereby form a sealed insulation layer.