refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of refrigerators with integrally molded inner boxes requires large dies, leading to increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerator design incorporates an inner box constructed from separate flat-plate shaped sheet members made of synthetic resin, connected using sheet member connecting members and fixtures with screw holes, allowing for assembly without a large die, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the inner box is composed into a single integrally molded article by die forming, then the structural integrity and manufacturing precision are improved, but the production cost increases due to the requirement of a large die
Solution Approach 1:
The inner box is divided into multiple separate plate members (front plate, rear plate, left plate, right plate, upper plate, lower plate) instead of being formed as a single integrally molded article. These segmented plates are subsequently connected through connecting members with fastening elements, allowing manufacturing without large dies while maintaining structural integrity through the connection system.
2Ease of manufacture
If the inner box is divided into multiple separate plate members, then the production cost is reduced by eliminating large die requirements, but the device complexity increases due to additional connecting components
Solution Approach 1:
Connecting members are introduced as intermediary components between the separate plate members. Each connecting member includes fastening elements that securely join adjacent plates, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the assembly process despite the increased number of components. The connecting members act as mediators that facilitate the connection of segmented plates without requiring complex integration.
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 simplifies assembly and reduces production costs by eliminating the need for large-scale die formation, while maintaining effective heat insulation and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum heat insulation panel provided between the outer box and the inner box
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
There has been a problem where, because an inner case is configured as a single integral molded article by molding, a large mold is required and manufacturing costs are high. Provided is a low-cost refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises an insulative case body (2) that includes an outer case (14), an inner case (15) provided inside the outer case, and a vacuum insulation panel (16) provided between the outer case (14) and the inner case (15). At least a portion of the inner case (15) is configured using plate-shaped sheet members (Sa and Sb).