Domestic appliance in particular refrigerator and method for producing it
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances face challenges in achieving high-quality, cost-effective, and energy-efficient thermal insulation due to unevenness in vacuum insulation panels, which can lead to visual imperfections and thermal bridges, often requiring additional metal sheets or thicker walls that increase manufacturing costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
Attaching vacuum insulation panels to the inside of outer walls using a layer of liquid adhesive, which compensates for unevenness and prevents air pockets, thereby ensuring a smooth, energy-efficient, and aesthetically flawless outer wall while eliminating the need for additional stiffening plates or thicker walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used for thermal insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but unevenness in the panels causes visual imperfections and thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the vacuum insulation panel and the outer wall. This adhesive layer compensates for surface unevenness and prevents air pockets, thereby eliminating thermal bridges while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of the vacuum insulation panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the adhesive from solid to liquid during application, allowing it to flow and fill uneven surfaces. After application, the adhesive cures to form a uniform bonding layer that eliminates gaps and ensures consistent thermal insulation performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional metal sheets or thicker walls are used to compensate for panel unevenness, then visual appearance is improved, but manufacturing costs and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid adhesive serves as a lightweight intermediary that provides the necessary surface leveling and bonding function, replacing heavy metal sheets or thicker wall structures while achieving the same visual and structural goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin layer of liquid adhesive that cures to form a permanent bonding layer, replacing the need for additional structural components like metal sheets or thicker walls, thereby reducing both weight and manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If complex fastening means are used to attach vacuum insulation panels, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, or complex adhesives) with a simple liquid adhesive application system. The liquid adhesive is applied and then cures to form a strong bonding layer, achieving reliable attachment without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive transitions from a liquid state during application to a solid state during curing, providing strong bonding without requiring mechanical fastening components. This phase change enables simple application methodology with high attachment reliability.
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 method enhances the energy efficiency and visual appeal of refrigeration appliances by preventing thermal bridges and reducing production costs through the use of a liquid adhesive layer that compensates for panel unevenness, ensuring a uniform insulation effect without the need for additional structural components.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one vacuum insulation panel (12) is attached by means of a layer of liquid adhesive to an inner side (14) of an outer wall (3) of the device
Implementation Method 2
Vacuum insulation panels are understood to be thermal insulation panels which have reduced thermal conductivity as a result of evacuating a body cavity
Implementation Method 3
The high heat-insulating effect of the vacuum insulation panels is mainly achieved through evacuation
Implementation Method 4
The aluminum layer essentially serves to reflect thermal radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic appliance in particular refrigerator (1), comprising a body (2) with an inner container (9) and appliance outer walls (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), and an insulation layer (11) therebetween with at least one inlaid vacuum insulation panel (12, 12a, 12b, 12c). According to the invention, the domestic appliance or refrigerator (1) may be economically produced in high quality, wherein at least one vacuum insulation panel (12, 12a, 12b, 12c) is connected in a planar manner by means of a foam layer (13) to the inside of an appliance outer wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) with a foaming process. Expensive fixing means can thus be avoided and also a smooth appliance outer wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) guaranteed. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for producing a composite body and a pre-expansion mould (15) for carrying out the method.