refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The abrupt change in insulation thickness of refrigerator side walls leads to deformation and cracking due to stress generated by the shrinkage and expansion of insulation materials.
Innovation Solution
Forming beads on the corner and boundary portions where insulation thickness changes abruptly to disperse and increase the reaction force against stress, enhancing structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the insulation thickness is increased to improve thermal insulation performance, then the insulation effectiveness is improved, but the structural strength and stability deteriorate due to stress concentration at abrupt thickness changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming beads (protruding curved structures) at the thickness transition portions of the insulation layer. These beads have a rounded, spherical geometry that redistributes stress concentrations that would otherwise occur at sharp corners or abrupt thickness changes. The curved surface of the beads allows stress to distribute more evenly throughout the insulation material, preventing deformation and cracking while maintaining the required insulation thickness for thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The beads are formed in advance at the thickness transition portions before the insulation material undergoes shrinkage or expansion during operation. These pre-formed protruding structures act as cushioning elements that absorb and distribute the stresses generated by thermal cycling and material shrinkage/expansion. By providing this protective structure beforehand, the patent prevents deformation and cracking that would otherwise occur at vulnerable thickness transition zones.
2Ease of manufacture
If the insulation thickness changes abruptly to accommodate structural design requirements, then the manufacturing and structural design flexibility is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to deformation and cracking at stress concentration points
Solution Approach 1:
The beads introduce curved, rounded geometries at the thickness transition portions, replacing sharp corners or abrupt edges with smooth, continuous surfaces. This curvature prevents stress concentration that would lead to cracking and deformation. The beads allow the insulation layer to maintain abrupt thickness changes for manufacturing flexibility while the curved bead surfaces ensure reliable stress distribution and prevent structural failures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the insulation material is allowed to shrink and expand freely during temperature cycles, then the adaptability to thermal conditions is improved, but the structural integrity worsens due to stress-induced deformation and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The beads are pre-formed at the thickness transition portions to provide cushioning protection before thermal cycling begins. During shrinkage and expansion cycles, these beads absorb and distribute the generated stresses, preventing deformation and cracking. The beads enable the insulation material to adapt freely to thermal conditions while maintaining structural integrity at vulnerable transition zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved geometry of the beads provides a smooth transition for stress distribution during thermal cycling. As the insulation material shrinks or expands, the rounded bead surfaces allow stress to distribute evenly rather than concentrating at sharp corners or abrupt thickness changes. This curvature maintains structural integrity while allowing the material to adapt to varying thermal conditions.
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 beads effectively distribute and increase the reaction force against stress, preventing deformation and cracking of these vulnerable areas.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first beads along the boundary portion on the corner portion of the second inner case portion or on a portion that is adjacent to the corner portion of the second inner case portion, and a second bead along a direction corresponding to the plurality of first beads
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes: an inner case forming a storage compartment; an outer case coupled to an outer side of the inner case to form an exterior; and an insulation between the inner case and the outer case, and configured to have an insulation thickness corresponding to a distance between the inner case and the outer case, where the inner case includes: a first inner case portion spaced apart from the outer case by a distance corresponding to a first insulation thickness, a second inner case portion spaced apart from the outer case by a distance corresponding to a second insulation thickness different from the first insulation thickness, and a boundary portion between the second inner case portion and the first inner case portion, and connected to a corner portion of the second inner case portion.


