Split Hybrid Appliance Insulation With Isolated Utility Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulation structures for appliances often compromise on energy efficiency due to the presence of apertures and punctures in vacuum insulated components, which disrupt the hermetic seal and reduce the effectiveness of insulation.
Innovation Solution
A split hybrid insulation structure comprising first and second vacuum insulated structures with continuous sides and an intermediate insulation structure, where the utility path is isolated from the vacuum structures, allowing for efficient communication with the insulated interiors without punctures or openings, enhancing energy efficiency and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional insulation structures are used with apertures and punctures for utility access, then utility systems can be installed, but the hermetic seal is disrupted and insulation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation structure is divided into separate vacuum insulated panels and an intermediate insulation structure. The utility path is segmented into its own dedicated channel within the intermediate structure, preventing it from penetrating the vacuum insulated panels. This segmentation allows utility installation without compromising the hermetic seal of the vacuum panels.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate insulation structure is introduced as a mediator between the vacuum insulated panels and the utility systems. This intermediate structure contains the utility path within its own walls, acting as a buffer that prevents direct penetration into the vacuum panels while still allowing utility access to the insulated interiors.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulated structures have continuous sides without apertures, then hermetic seal and insulation effectiveness are maintained, but utility system access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The utility path is moved from a direct penetration through the vacuum panels to a separate dimensional space within the intermediate insulation structure. This dimensional separation allows utilities to access insulated interiors by traveling through the intermediate structure's internal channel rather than piercing the vacuum panels, maintaining hermetic seals while enabling utility access.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece insulation structure is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but accommodating utility paths requires punctures that compromise insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into multiple manufacturable components: vacuum insulated panels and an intermediate insulation structure. Each component can be manufactured separately with standard processes, then assembled together. The utility path is formed within the intermediate structure during its manufacturing, avoiding the need to create punctures in pre-manufactured vacuum panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility path is pre-formed within the intermediate insulation structure during its manufacturing process, before assembly with the vacuum panels. This preliminary creation of the utility channel eliminates the need for post-manufacturing modifications or punctures to the vacuum panels, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and insulation integrity.
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 maintains a continuous vacuum within the insulated structures, improving energy efficiency and reducing manufacturing complexities, while ensuring effective communication of utility systems to the insulated areas without compromising the hermetic seal.
Implementation Method 1
a first vacuum insulated structure having a top and at least one downward side extending from the top
Implementation Method 2
The top and the at least one downward side at least partially define a first insulated interior
Data Source
AI summary
An insulation structure for an appliance includes a first vacuum insulated structure having a top and downward sides extending from the top and defining a lower connection surface. A second vacuum insulated structure having a bottom and upward sides extending from the bottom and defining an upper connection surface, and an intermediate insulation structure having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface engages the lower connection surface of the first vacuum insulated structure to define the first insulated interior, wherein the bottom surface engages the upper connection surface of the second vacuum insulated structure to define the second insulated interior, and wherein the intermediate insulation structure includes an appliance utility path within which at least one utility for the appliance is disposed.