Refrigerator Rotating Bar Sealing With Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In FDR-type refrigerators, the gap between the pair of doors is not effectively sealed by traditional gaskets, leading to heat loss and reduced thermal efficiency due to heat conduction from the heat generating member to the rotating bar and into the storage compartment.
Innovation Solution
A rotating bar with a heat conduction blocking part and a non-metallic cover to prevent heat from penetrating into the storage compartment, combined with a heat generating member like a heating cable for frost prevention, ensures efficient sealing and reduced energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat generating member is installed on the rotating bar to prevent frost formation, then frost prevention performance is improved, but heat is conducted through the plate to the rotating bar and penetrates into the storage compartment, worsening thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulation plate is introduced as an intermediary between the heat generating member and the rotating bar. This insulation plate blocks the heat conduction path, preventing heat from the heat generating member from penetrating into the storage compartment while still allowing the heat generating member to effectively prevent frost on the rotating bar surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bar structure uses composite materials including a metallic plate for structural strength and frost resistance, combined with a thermal insulation plate made of insulating material. This composite structure allows the metallic portion to contact the gasket and resist frost, while the insulation portion prevents heat transfer to the storage compartment.
2Reliability
If a rotating bar is installed to seal the gap between doors, then sealing performance is improved, but heat loss occurs through the rotating bar structure, worsening energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating bar is constructed as a composite structure with a metallic plate for structural integrity and sealing contact, combined with a thermal insulation plate. This composite design maintains the sealing function while significantly reducing heat conduction to the storage compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bar is divided into functionally distinct segments: a metallic plate portion for structural support and gasket contact, and a thermal insulation plate portion for heat blocking. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
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 solution enhances insulation performance by preventing heat from entering the storage compartment, reducing energy consumption and maintaining a consistent temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generating member configured to radiate heat to prevent frost from forming at the metallic plate
Implementation Method 2
a heat insulation member configured to block cool air from being discharged from a storage compartment
Implementation Method 3
the heat of the heat generating member is heat-conducted through the plate to the both edges of the rotating bar
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a body; a storage compartment; a first door and a second door; and a rotating bar coupled to the first door and configured to close a gap between the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door are closed. The rotating bar includes a case having an accommodating space; a cover; a metallic plate positioned at a front side of the cover and having an end portion bent toward the cover; and a sealing member disposed at a longitudinal end portion of the rotating bar, the sealing member including a first portion engaged with the end portion of the metallic plate and a second portion extending from the first portion of the sealing member in a longitudinal direction to cover a gap formed between the body and the longitudinal end portion of the rotating bar when the first door is closed.