Support assembly for an insulated structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated structures for appliances lack an efficient support assembly that effectively distributes loads and maintains the vacuum insulation integrity.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly comprising a base plate with fasteners, base rails with attachment flanges and mounting walls, and a machine plate that defines the lower portion of a machine compartment, which together distribute loads and maintain the vacuum insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional reinforcing members made from thick steel sheets are used, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: a peripheral support surface for wrapper support, a centrally located aperture for component access, and integrated attachment flanges with mounting walls for base rail connection. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides peripheral support for the wrapper, creates the machine compartment through its aperture, and includes integrated attachment flanges and mounting walls for base rail connection. This merging eliminates the need for separate reinforcing members and simplifies the overall structure
2Device complexity
If a integrated base plate with aperture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with pre-formed attachment flanges and mounting walls that are integrated during manufacturing. The aperture is centrally positioned and dimensioned to accommodate machine compartment components, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustments and reducing precision requirements during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate features localized functional zones with specific geometric properties: the peripheral support surface provides broad contact area for wrapper support, the aperture is dimensioned for component access, and the attachment flanges with mounting walls provide precise connection points. Each zone is optimized for its specific function, balancing manufacturing feasibility with performance requirements
3Strength
If base rails with attachment flanges and mounting walls are used, then structural support is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting walls are extracted as distinct functional elements from the base rails, allowing them to be integrally formed with the base plate. This extraction enables the base rails to focus on providing structural support while the mounting walls handle the connection function, reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The base rails serve multiple functions: they provide structural support through their body, enable attachment to the base plate through integrated attachment flanges, and define the machine compartment through their positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall structure
4Reliability
If the wrapper and liner loads are distributed across the base plate, then vacuum insulation integrity is maintained, but the base plate must handle increased load, requiring greater strength
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate transitions from a simple flat support to a three-dimensional structure with peripheral support surfaces, centrally located aperture, and vertically extending attachment flanges with mounting walls. This dimensional complexity allows loads to be distributed across multiple surfaces and connection points, maintaining vacuum integrity while managing stress distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
A support assembly for a vacuum insulated structure (10) includes a base plate (24) that has a perimeter support surface (154) and centrally defines an aperture (156). The base plate (24) includes fasteners (126) that extend outwardly from the base plate (24). Base rails (26, 94, 96) each include a support body (110) that has a first attachment flange (28, 116), a second attachment flange (28, 118), and a mounting wall (30) that is operably coupled to the support body (110). The first attachment flange (28, 116) and the second attachment flange (28, 118) operably couple each of the base rails (26, 94, 96) to the base plate (24). A front plate (90) is operably coupled to the mounting wall (30) of each of the base rails (26, 94, 96). A machine plate (32) is operably coupled to each of the first attachment flange (28, 116) and the second attachment flange (28, 118) of each of the base rails (26, 94, 96) proximate to the base plate (24).