refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerator designs face challenges in achieving practical adiabatic effects due to difficulties in maintaining a stable vacuum state and preventing heat transfer at contact points between external and internal cases with different temperatures.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a refrigerator configuration using multiple vacuum adiabatic bodies with a mullion system that supports and separates these bodies, ensuring stable contact and preventing external product entry, while also optimizing the placement of components like defrost water trays and controllers to enhance space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a vacuum adiabatic body is applied to the refrigerator walls, then heat transfer by convection and conduction is reduced, but fabrication cost increases and fabrication method becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transferVSAvoidfabrication cost and method

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerator adiabatic structure is divided into multiple vacuum adiabatic panels that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together to form the complete refrigerator walls, simplifying the fabrication process while maintaining vacuum insulation performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support structure with support bars is introduced as an intermediary element to maintain the vacuum gap between inner and outer walls, prevent wall deformation under vacuum pressure, and provide a framework for assembling the vacuum adiabatic panels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the walls of the refrigerator are provided to be in a vacuum state, then adiabatic effect is improved, but it is difficult to maintain a stable vacuum state and prevent heat transfer at contact portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadiabatic effectVSAvoidvacuum state stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Support bars are introduced as intermediary elements that span the vacuum gap to provide structural support, maintain the vacuum separation between walls, and prevent contact between inner and outer walls at critical points, thereby maintaining vacuum stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adiabatic structure uses a composite design combining vacuum space, support bars, and adiabatic panels to create a reliable system that maintains vacuum state while preventing heat transfer pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of stationary object

If a single vacuum adiabatic body is used for all walls, then internal volume is increased, but it is difficult to provide multiple storage chambers with different temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal volumeVSAvoidmultiple storage chambers

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single vacuum adiabatic structure is segmented into multiple sections with internal partitions that divide the interior space into separate storage chambers, allowing different temperature zones while maintaining the overall vacuum insulation envelope

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple storage chambers are nested within the single vacuum adiabatic body, with partition walls arranged inside the vacuum-insulated cavity to create functional zones without compromising the external vacuum structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Loss of energy

If foam urethane adiabatic wall with thickness of about 30 cm or more is provided, then adiabatic performance is achieved, but internal volume of the refrigerator is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadiabatic performanceVSAvoidinternal volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adiabatic mechanism is changed from solid foam material to vacuum space, fundamentally altering the insulation approach to achieve superior thermal performance with minimal space occupation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum adiabatic body uses thin wall structures separated by vacuum space, replacing the need for thick foam insulation and thereby maximizing the internal volume available for storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 allows for improved adiabatic performance, increased internal volume, and easier maintenance by simplifying the dismounting, fastening, and repair of refrigerator components, while maintaining efficient refrigeration cycles.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case, with being maintained vacuum, to insulate the inner case from the outer case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum insulation: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3724565B1refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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Figure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

A vacuum adiabatic body according to the present invention includes a supporting block which is fastened to an outer surface of any one plate placed outside the control space in a plate member which provides a wall of the vacuum adiabatic body. Accordingly, since the vacuum adiabatic bodies in a state of being not in contact with each other can be fastened to each other, various products corresponding to the needs of the consumer can be provided.