refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerators experience thermal inefficiencies due to gaps between the insulative member and the rear wall, which are not directly fixed, leading to time-consuming assembly and aesthetic issues with exposed fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes an insulative member sandwiched between straps fixed to the rear wall, with a ventilation panel secured to the straps using press-fit or adhesive methods, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and providing an insulative seal to reduce thermal inefficiencies and enhance aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the insulative member is manually assembled to the rear wall by an operator and then the ventilation panel is fastened to the rear wall, then the assembly process is simplified, but gaps between the insulative member and the rear wall lead to thermal inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative member is nested within a cavity formed by the rear wall, and the ventilation panel is then attached over it. This nesting arrangement allows the insulative member to be retained between the rear wall and the ventilation panel without requiring separate fastening operations, while the cavity structure ensures close contact and minimizes gaps that would cause thermal inefficiencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity in the rear wall acts as an intermediary structure that receives and secures the insulative member. This intermediary cavity ensures the insulative member is properly positioned and retained without requiring direct fastening to the rear wall, thereby maintaining thermal efficiency while simplifying the assembly process.
2Strength
If threaded fasteners are used to attach the ventilation panel to the rear wall, then secure attachment is achieved, but the assembly becomes time intensive and aesthetic appearance is compromised due to exposed fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation panel, insulative member, and rear wall are nested together in a layered configuration where the insulative member is retained within the cavity between the rear wall and the ventilation panel. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for threaded fasteners, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment through the layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded fasteners and their covers are completely removed from the attachment system. Instead, the ventilation panel is directly attached to the rear wall with the insulative member retained in the cavity, eliminating the need for fasteners and their aesthetic covers while maintaining secure attachment.
3Strength
If fasteners are used to attach the ventilation panel, then secure attachment is achieved, but aesthetic appearance is degraded due to the need for plugs or covers
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners and their aesthetic covers or plugs are completely extracted from the design. The ventilation panel is attached directly to the rear wall using an alternative mechanism (the cavity-retained insulative member structure), eliminating the need for visible fastening elements and preserving the aesthetic appearance of the rear wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested layered structure of the rear wall, insulative member, and ventilation panel provides secure attachment without requiring exposed fasteners. The insulative member is nested within the cavity and retained between the rear wall and ventilation panel, creating a clean, aesthetic appearance while maintaining attachment security.
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 reduces thermal inefficiencies by ensuring a tight seal between the insulative member and the rear wall, while simplifying assembly and improving the aesthetic appearance by eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and their covers.
Implementation Method 1
an insulative member (114) disposed within a recessed portion (118) of the rear wall (104)
Implementation Method 2
a ventilation panel (110) disposed on an interior surface (108) of the rear wall (104) and configured to vent air from the interior chamber (102) to an exterior of the refrigerator (100)
Implementation Method 3
A compressor increases the pressure, and in turn, the temperature of the gas refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
This heated gas is then cooled by ambient air received from one or more vents often disposed on a rear portion of the refrigerator
Implementation Method 5
Refrigerators circulate refrigerant and change the refrigerant from a liquid state to a gas state by an evaporation process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerator (100) includes a rear wall (104), a first strap (116a), a second strap (116b), and an insulative member (114). The first strap (116a) and the second strap (116b) fix the insulative member (114) to the rear wall (104).