Refrigerator Vacuum Insulation Structure for Compact Heat Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require thick insulating materials to achieve effective heat insulation, which increases the outer size and reduces storage space, contradicting the trend of making refrigerators more compact.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that incorporates a vacuum space between the outer and inner cases, supported by reinforcing members and a getter to maintain a vacuum state, enhancing heat insulation without the need for thick insulating materials, while using a porous material to prevent heat radiation and conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thick insulating material is used to achieve effective heat insulation, then heat insulation performance is improved, but the outer size of the refrigerator increases and storage space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulating medium from solid (traditional insulating material) to vacuum (gas phase with near-zero density), fundamentally altering the thermal conductivity parameter. This allows achieving superior heat insulation performance without increasing the thickness of the insulating layer, thus maintaining compact outer dimensions while improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the gas molecules from the insulating space between the inner and outer cases, creating a vacuum environment. By removing the heat-conducting medium (air molecules), the heat transfer pathway is eliminated, achieving excellent thermal insulation without requiring thick solid insulating materials, thereby maintaining a compact refrigerator size.
2Loss of energy
If thick insulating material is used to achieve effective heat insulation, then heat insulation performance is improved, but the storage space of the refrigerator decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the insulating medium from solid material to vacuum, the patent achieves higher insulation performance per unit thickness. This allows the insulating layer to maintain a thin profile, maximizing the internal storage space while still providing effective heat insulation to prevent energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing air molecules through vacuum creation, the patent eliminates the need for thick solid insulating materials. The vacuum layer provides superior insulation with minimal thickness, thereby maximizing the storage volume available for keeping food and beverages cold without compromising thermal performance.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum space is created between inner and outer cases, then heat insulation efficiency is improved and size is reduced, but structural strength and vacuum maintenance become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigerator body into distinct functional layers: the inner case, the vacuum insulation layer, and the outer case. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the vacuum layer provides insulation while the outer case provides structural strength, resolving the conflict between insulation efficiency and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the inner case, vacuum space, and outer case into a unified thermal insulation system. This composite design leverages the advantages of each component - the vacuum for thermal isolation and the outer case for mechanical strength - achieving both high insulation efficiency and adequate structural strength simultaneously.
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 achieves superior heat insulation with a compact exterior size, allowing for a larger storage space while maintaining a vacuum state that suppresses heat transfer, outperforming traditional insulating materials in efficiency and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case sealed to maintain a vacuum state for heat insulating between the inner case and the outer case
Implementation Method 2
a porous material arranged in the vacuum space for preventing at least one of heat radiation, and heat conduction caused by gas between the inner case and the outer case from taking place
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to refrigerators, and more particularly to a refrigerator in which a vacuum space is formed between an outer case and an inner case of a body thereof for enhancing a heat insulating function. The refrigerator includes a body having a storage space for storing a predetermined storage object, wherein the body includes an inner case having the storage space, an outer case having an inside surface spaced a predetermined gap from an outside surface of the inner case to house the inner case, and a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case sealed to maintain a vacuum state for heat insulating between the inner case and the outer case.