Refrigerator Vacuum Space Insulation with Radiation Blocking Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators rely on thick insulating materials between the inner and outer cases to maintain low temperatures, which increases the external size and limits the compactness of the appliance, and are not effective in minimizing heat transfer through radiation.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a vacuum space between the inner and outer cases, maintained at partial vacuum pressure, with radiation-blocking films and spacers to reduce heat transfer and maintain structural integrity against external shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thick insulating material is used between inner and outer cases, then insulation effect is improved, but refrigerator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulation medium from solid (urethane foam) to vacuum (gas removal), achieving superior insulation with reduced thickness. The vacuum space maintains insulation effectiveness while allowing compact refrigerator dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere without gas molecules) between the inner and outer cases to eliminate heat transfer through conduction and convection, providing excellent insulation without requiring thick solid insulating materials.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum space is formed between inner and outer cases, then insulation effect is improved, but structural stability deteriorates due to external shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-installs spacers between the inner and outer cases before vacuum formation to cushion and distribute external shock forces, preventing case deformation and maintaining vacuum space integrity during transport and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple materials (inner case material, outer case material, spacer material) to create a composite structure that provides both vacuum insulation and mechanical strength to withstand external shocks while maintaining 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 compared to conventional materials, minimizing heat transfer through conduction and radiation, while maintaining structural stability and allowing for a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum space formed between an inner case and an outer case to improve an insulation function thereof
Implementation Method 2
the outer case and the inner case defining, between the outer case and the inner case, a vacuum space that is maintained at a partial vacuum pressure and that is configured to insulate the inner case from the outer case
Implementation Method 3
a radiation blocking film provided in the vacuum space, spaced apart from the inner case and the outer case
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a refrigerator including a vacuum space formed between an outer case and an inner case to improve an insulation function thereof, which includes an inner case that defines an exterior appearance of a storage space, an outer case spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner case, 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, a plurality of spacers for supporting the inner case and the outer case space that are spaced apart from each other, and a radiation blocking film provided in the vacuum space, spaced apart from the inner case and the outer case.