Storage container and refrigerator having the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage containers for refrigerators are excessively heavy, causing inconvenience to users.

Innovation Solution

A storage container design featuring a container body made of titanium for the inner layer, providing excellent corrosion resistance, and an aluminum outer layer for reduced weight and cost, with a ceramic coating for added strength and appearance, and a detachable container cover for easy opening and closing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the container body is made of stainless steel, then corrosion resistance is improved, but weight increases causing user inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidcontainer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The container body is constructed as a composite structure with an inner layer of titanium for corrosion resistance and an outer layer of aluminum for weight reduction. This composite material approach allows the container to simultaneously achieve the durability and corrosion resistance of titanium while minimizing weight through the lighter aluminum exterior layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the container body is made of titanium, then corrosion resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container uses a composite material structure where titanium forms the inner layer providing corrosion resistance, while aluminum forms the outer layer that is more cost-effective and easier to manufacture. This composite approach allows the expensive titanium to be used only where necessary for corrosion protection, while the more economical aluminum provides the exterior structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The container body has different material properties at different locations: the inner layer contacts food and requires high corrosion resistance (titanium), while the outer layer provides structural support and aesthetic appearance (aluminum). This local differentiation of material quality optimizes both performance and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Weight of moving object

If the container body is made of aluminum, then weight is reduced and cost is lowered, but corrosion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer weightVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs a composite structure with aluminum as the outer layer for weight reduction and cost efficiency, while titanium forms the inner layer that provides the necessary corrosion resistance. The aluminum outer layer is protected from direct contact with corrosive food substances by the titanium inner barrier layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11524477B2Storage container and refrigerator having the same

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A storage container includes a container body having a storage space defined therein; and a container cover coupled to one side of the container body to open and close the storage space, wherein the container body includes: an inner layer forming an inner face of the container body defining the inner space; and an outer layer bonded to the inner layer and forming an outer face of the container body. The inner layer is made of titanium first material, and the outer layer is made of aluminum second material.