Refrigerator appliance with a vacuum insulation and a hinge support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator appliances face challenges in maintaining the structural integrity of vacuum insulated structures due to downward and rotational forces exerted by doors, which can compromise the insulation and lead to condensation issues and damage to trim breakers and inner liners.
Innovation Solution
A metallic frame is integrated within the insulating cavity, featuring upper and lower hinge mounts that transfer these forces away from the trim breaker and insulating material, maintaining the vacuum seal and structural integrity by directing forces through the frame and into the appliance's base, while reinforcing the cabinet's edges and mullion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a vacuum insulated structure is used in the refrigerator cabinet, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to downward and rotational forces from doors
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a metallic frame with upper and lower hinge mounts, separating the force-bearing function from the insulation function. The metallic frame is disposed within the insulating cavity, creating distinct zones for thermal insulation and mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic frame acts as an intermediary element between the door hinges and the cabinet structure. It transfers downward and rotational forces away from the trim breaker and insulating material, preventing direct mechanical loading on the vacuum insulated structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If door hinges are directly mounted to the cabinet structure, then ease of installation is improved, but the trim breaker and inner liner are damaged due to force concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic frame serves as a mediator between the door hinges and the cabinet structure. It distributes the mechanical forces from door operation away from vulnerable components like the trim breaker and inner liner, preventing damage while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic frame is pre-installed within the insulating cavity to provide force distribution pathways before door installation. This preemptive structural reinforcement prevents force concentration on vulnerable components during normal door operation.
3Strength
If a metallic frame is added to support hinges, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic frame is nested within the insulating cavity, utilizing the existing space between the outer wrapper and inner liner. This nesting approach adds structural support functionality without requiring additional external structures or significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic frame performs multiple functions: it provides structural support for door hinges, distributes mechanical forces away from vulnerable components, and maintains the spatial relationship between the outer wrapper and inner liner. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
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 configuration effectively directs downward and rotational forces away from sensitive components, maintaining the vacuum insulation and preventing damage, thus enhancing the appliance's structural integrity and reducing condensation risks.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum insulated structure is disposed within the insulating cavity
Implementation Method 2
maintaining the vacuum insulation and preventing damage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An appliance includes a cabinet having an outer wrapper, an inner liner and a trim breaker defining a joint therebetween. The outer wrapper, inner liner and trim breaker define an insulating cavity. A vacuum insulated structure is disposed within the insulating cavity. A metallic frame is in communication with the outer wrapper and includes an upper hinge mount and a lower hinge mount that are connected by a vertical frame member. The metallic frame is at least partially disposed within the insulating cavity. A door panel is rotationally mounted to the cabinet via an upper hinge mounted to the upper hinge mount and a lower hinge mounted to the lower hinge mount.