Refrigerator comprising vacuum space
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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, and includes 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulating medium from atmospheric pressure (solid insulating material) to vacuum (gas removal), fundamentally altering the heat transfer parameters. By creating a vacuum space between the inner and outer cases, heat conduction and convection are eliminated, leaving only radiation, which is then addressed by the reflective layer, achieving superior insulation with minimal thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a vacuum environment (absence of gas molecules) between the inner and outer cases to eliminate heat transfer through conduction and convection. This inert environment, devoid of atmospheric gases, prevents thermal energy transfer that would otherwise occur through air molecules, thereby achieving excellent heat insulation with a compact structure.
2Loss of energy
If thick insulating material is used to achieve effective heat insulation, then heat insulation performance is improved, but the storage space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the insulating medium from a space-consuming solid material to a vacuum space, changing the physical parameters of the insulation system. This allows the insulation layer to occupy minimal volume while providing superior thermal performance, thereby maximizing the storage space within the refrigerator body.
Solution Approach 2:
By evacuating the space between the inner and outer cases to create a vacuum, the patent eliminates the need for bulky insulating materials. The vacuum environment provides excellent thermal insulation properties without occupying valuable storage space, allowing for larger storage capacity within the same external dimensions.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum space is created between inner and outer cases, then heat insulation is enhanced and outer size is reduced, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigerator structure into distinct segments: the inner case, the vacuum space, the reflective layer, and the outer case. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the vacuum space providing insulation and the reflective layer preventing radiation, while the separate cases maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining multiple materials and principles: the reflective layer (metallic coating) on the inner case, the vacuum space (evacuated region), and the outer case material. This composite design integrates thermal reflection, vacuum insulation, and structural support to achieve both excellent heat insulation and adequate structural strength.
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 outer size while maintaining a sufficient storage space, outperforming traditional refrigerators by utilizing the vacuum space's insulating properties effectively.
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.