Split Hybrid Vacuum Insulation Structure for Appliance Utility Routing
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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 panels, 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 insulated structures, allowing for efficient communication 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 pathways, 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 multiple vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) that are assembled together to form the complete insulation barrier. This segmentation allows utility pathways to be integrated into the assembly process without requiring punctures through individual VIPs, thereby maintaining the hermetic seal of each panel while enabling utility installation through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary structure or method is used to facilitate utility installation without compromising the VIP integrity. This could involve temporary access points, specialized installation tools, or intermediate components that allow utility routing while preserving the vacuum seal, thus resolving the conflict between ease of installation and seal integrity.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulated panels are used without internal apertures, then hermetic seal and energy efficiency are improved, but utility pathways become more complex to implement
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the insulation into multiple VIP panels, the complexity of creating utility pathways through intact VIPs is avoided. Instead, the segmentation allows utilities to be routed through the assembly interface or integrated during assembly, maintaining the zero-aperture benefit of each individual VIP while enabling utility access through the modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility pathways are routed through an additional dimension or plane - specifically, through the assembly interface between multiple VIP panels rather than through the thickness of individual panels. This dimensional shift allows utilities to access insulated spaces without puncturing the VIPs, thereby maintaining insulation effectiveness while providing utility access.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple vacuum insulated structures are assembled with an intermediate structure, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the overall structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into multiple VIP panels that can be manufactured independently using standardized processes, simplifying manufacturing. The intermediate structure serves as a standardized interface component that facilitates assembly. While the overall structure has multiple components, each component is simplified and can be mass-produced, resulting in net manufacturing ease despite increased component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate structure performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, facilitates assembly of VIP panels, enables utility pathway integration, and maintains the hermetic seal. By consolidating these functions into a single universal component, the overall complexity is managed despite the multi-component nature of the assembly.
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 delivery of utility systems to insulated interiors without compromising the hermetic seal.
Implementation Method 1
A first vacuum insulated structure (20) having a top (22) and at least one downward side (24) extending from the top (22), a lower portion of the at least one downward side (24) defining a lower connection surface (28). The top (22) and the at least one downward side (24) at least partially define a first insulated interior (30).
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.