RFID Temperature Sensing for Refrigerator Vacuum Insulation Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for testing and monitoring vacuum insulation panels in refrigerators are limited in detecting failures due to temperature sensitivity and difficulty in measuring assembled panels, leading to suboptimal energy efficiency and potential heat leakage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) temperature sensors adjacent to vacuum insulation panels, utilizing the conductive barrier layer as an antenna, to transmit temperature data to a receiver for monitoring and testing functionality, enabling rapid and accurate assessment of panel integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internal sensors within the vacuum panel are used to detect failures, then the ability to detect ruptured or improperly manufactured panels is improved, but the temperature sensitivity limits the reliability of detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary RFID temperature sensor system that measures temperature through the vacuum panel without being directly exposed to the extreme temperature conditions inside the panel. This intermediary approach allows accurate temperature measurement while avoiding the temperature sensitivity issues that would affect sensors placed directly within the vacuum panel.
2Measurement precision
If pre-installation testers are used to sort ruptured or improperly manufactured panels, then the ability to identify defective panels is improved, but the difficulty of measuring assembled vacuum insulation panels after all factory processes have occurred worsens the overall effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID temperature sensor system enables continuous monitoring of vacuum panel performance both before and after installation. The sensors remain functional throughout all factory processes and continue to provide defect detection capability after the panels are installed in the refrigerator, eliminating the need for separate pre-installation and post-installation testing systems.
3Measurement precision
If thermal imaging cameras are used to detect hot spots from chemical insulation foam reactions, then the ability to identify vacuum panel failures is improved, but the time-dependent nature of visual observation creates alpha and beta errors reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID temperature sensor system provides continuous feedback on temperature conditions through the vacuum panel, eliminating the timing-critical visual observation requirement of thermal imaging cameras. The system continuously monitors and records temperature data, allowing for reliable defect detection regardless of when the observation occurs during the foam reaction process.
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 approach allows for efficient and reliable monitoring and testing of vacuum insulation panels, reducing energy consumption by identifying defective panels and maintaining optimal insulation performance throughout the refrigerator's lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification (RFID) temperature sensors respectively positioned adjacent to the plurality of vacuum insulation panels. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors transmits information concerning a local temperature to the RFID receiver. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors utilizes the conductive barrier layer of its adjacent vacuum insulation panel as an antenna during the transmission of the information.
Data Source
AI summary
Radio frequency identification heat flux measurement systems for refrigerator vacuum insulation panels and methods of operation thereof are provided. One example refrigerator includes a plurality of vacuum insulation panels respectively positioned within a plurality of walls of the refrigerator. The plurality of walls of the refrigerator define an interior refrigerated space. Each of the plurality of vacuum insulation panels includes a conductive barrier layer forming a jacket around such vacuum insulation panel. The refrigerator includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) temperature sensors respectively positioned adjacent to the plurality of vacuum insulation panels. The refrigerator includes an RFID receiver. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors transmits information concerning a local temperature to the RFID receiver. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors utilizes the conductive barrier layer of its adjacent vacuum insulation panel as an antenna during the transmission of the information.