Refrigeration and/or freezer device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerators and freezers face issues with visually unappealing optics in the gap between the door and body, ineffective heat and cold management, and suboptimal energetic efficiency due to the design of prior sealing arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator and freezer design featuring a profile arrangement with a web-shaped insulation element, integrated into the sealing arrangement, which is made of a polymeric material with specific dimensions and geometry to provide effective thermal resistance and visually appealing closure, while allowing for economic production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional bellows constructions are used in profile arrangements, then sealing function is achieved, but visual appeal deteriorates due to clearly visible construction in the gap area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appeal of gap areaVSAvoidvisibility of bellows construction
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile arrangement is divided into multiple functional segments: a sealing portion with bellows construction for sealing function, and a separate cover portion that conceals the bellows construction. This segmentation allows the visible area to have a clean, appealing appearance while the hidden portion maintains the necessary mechanical sealing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cover portion acts as an intermediary element that is inserted into the profile arrangement to conceal the bellows construction in the visible gap area. This cover serves as a mediator between the functional requirement (visible sealing) and the aesthetic requirement (clean appearance), providing a visually appealing surface while the bellows construction remains hidden behind it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If traditional sealing arrangements are used, then sealing function is provided, but heat and cold management deteriorates due to ineffective thermal insulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat and cold managementVSAvoidthermal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The profile arrangement utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: the bellows portion provides mechanical sealing and flexibility, while the cover portion incorporates thermally insulating materials to reduce heat transfer. This composite approach addresses both sealing and thermal insulation requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal parameters of the profile arrangement by incorporating materials with low thermal conductivity in the cover portion. This parameter change from purely mechanical sealing to thermally insulated sealing improves heat and cold management while reducing energy loss through the door gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional profile arrangements are used, then sealing is achieved, but energetic efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal thermal resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergetic efficiencyVSAvoidthermal energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The profile arrangement utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: the bellows portion provides mechanical sealing and flexibility, while the cover portion incorporates thermally insulating materials to reduce heat transfer. This composite approach addresses both sealing and thermal insulation requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal parameters of the profile arrangement by incorporating materials with low thermal conductivity in the cover portion. This parameter change from purely mechanical sealing to thermally insulated sealing improves heat and cold management while reducing energy loss through the door gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively prevents heat from entering and cold from escaping, optimizing energy efficiency and visual appeal by using a web-shaped insulation element with high thermal resistance, made from materials like PVC or polyolefins, that covers the gap between the closure element and the body.

Implementation Method 1

at least one, with the base via at least one protruding, movement arrangement, which has at least two movement sections arranged approximately opposite one another and is connected to one another via at least one connecting element, is connected, the sealing arrangement having at least one insulation element, which is arranged at a distance from the profile element via at least one hollow chamber and is integrally connected thereto and designed as a web

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

in the case of using magnetic profile arrangements, ensuring that the refrigerator door is closed on the body by means of magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3502602B1Refrigeration and/or freezer device
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 REHAU IND SE & CO KG
  • EP3502602B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3502602B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3502602B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooling and/or freezing appliance comprising at least one body and at least one closing element closing an opening of the body, as well as at least one profile arrangement arranged in a gap formed between the closing element and the body, comprising a base, at least one fastening arrangement, at least one sealing arrangement and at least one profile element, wherein at least one free end of the profile element is arranged on the sealing arrangement, wherein at least one further free end of the profile element is connected to the base via at least one movement arrangement projecting at least partially into the sealing arrangement, which has at least two movement sections arranged approximately opposite each other, and is characterized in that the sealing arrangement comprises at least one spaced-apart from the profile element via at least one hollow chamber.It features an integrally connected, bridge-shaped insulating element.