Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face challenges in achieving effective insulation while maintaining a compact size, as thick insulating materials increase the refrigerator's size and are not effective in reducing radiation heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that forms a vacuum space between the inner and outer cases, using spacers to maintain distance and a radiation blocking film to reduce heat transfer, eliminating the need for conventional insulating materials and enhancing insulation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thick insulating material is used to achieve effective insulation, then insulation effect is improved, but refrigerator size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulation medium from solid (urethane foam) to vacuum (gas phase with near-zero density), achieving superior insulation with minimal thickness. The vacuum space (5-20mm) provides equivalent or better insulation than conventional thick foam while reducing overall refrigerator dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the gas molecules from the insulation space between inner and outer cases, creating a vacuum environment. This removal of the heat transfer medium eliminates conduction and convection, providing superior insulation with minimal space requirement compared to solid insulating materials.
2Loss of energy
If conventional insulating material is used, then insulation is provided, but radiation heat transfer is not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radiation blocking film as an intermediary element within the vacuum space. This film reflects radiant heat back to its source, preventing direct radiation heat transfer between inner and outer cases while maintaining the simplicity of the vacuum insulation structure.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum space is formed between inner and outer cases, then insulation effect is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical support function of thick solid insulating material with a vacuum-based system. The vacuum itself provides structural support to maintain the spacing between inner and outer cases, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical insulation structures while achieving both insulation and structural stability.
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 vacuum space provides superior insulation, reducing heat transfer by conduction and radiation, while maintaining structural integrity and allowing for a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum space which is spaced apart from the inner case and the outer case and reduces radiation heat transfer between the inner case and the outer case
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum space... reduces radiation heat transfer between the inner case and the outer case
Implementation Method 3
a radiation blocking film which is provided in the vacuum space, spaced apart from the inner case and the outer case
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a refrigerator including a vacuum space (130) formed between an outer case (120) and an inner case (110) to improve an insulation function thereof, which includes an inner case (110) that defines an exterior appearance of a storage space, an outer case (120) spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner case (110), a vacuum space (130) provided between the inner case (110) and the outer case (120), with being maintained vacuum, to insulate the inner case from the outer case, a plurality of spacers (150) for supporting the inner case and the outer case space that are spaced apart from each other, and a radiation blocking film (210, 220) provided in the vacuum space, spaced apart from the inner case (110) and the outer case (120).