Vacuum Refrigerator Drawer Case With Anti-Deformation Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face challenges in preventing transformation of the vegetable storage chamber when depressurized, which complicates fabrication and increases costs due to the use of metallic materials, and forming a synthetic resin chamber that can transform under depressurization.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a case body made of synthetic resin with a transformation preventing member of higher strength, such as stainless steel, integrated into the flange portion to prevent transformation, and a depressurizing device to maintain a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, ensuring the case remains stable and facilitating easier assembly and fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the case is formed of a metallic member to prevent transformation when depressurized, then the transformation resistance is improved, but the fabrication difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The case is constructed as a composite structure combining a synthetic resin body with a metal reinforcement member. The synthetic resin provides ease of fabrication and cost benefits, while the metal member (stainless steel or aluminum alloy) provides the necessary strength and transformation resistance when depressurized. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire case from metal, the reinforcement member is strategically positioned at specific locations where transformation is most likely to occur, such as the open region and corners. This localized reinforcement approach maintains fabrication ease and cost benefits while providing sufficient transformation resistance at critical areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If the case is formed of a synthetic resin member to simplify fabrication, then the fabrication ease is improved, but the transformation resistance deteriorates when depressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The case combines synthetic resin and metal materials to achieve both fabrication ease and transformation resistance. The synthetic resin body is easy to fabricate using injection molding, while the integrated metal reinforcement member provides the necessary strength to prevent transformation when the case is depressurized.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is divided into two functional components: a synthetic resin body for ease of fabrication and a metal reinforcement member for structural strength. These segments are integrated through methods such as injection molding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical fastening, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function.
3Ease of manufacture
If the case structure is simplified to reduce costs, then the fabrication cost is reduced, but the transformation resistance when depressurized deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case uses a cost-effective synthetic resin as the base material and incorporates a relatively small amount of metal reinforcement member. This approach keeps overall costs low while providing sufficient transformation resistance at critical locations, resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and strength maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal reinforcement member is positioned at specific critical areas where transformation is most likely to occur, such as the open region and corners, rather than reinforcing the entire case. This localized approach minimizes material costs while maintaining adequate transformation resistance.
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 effectively prevents transformation of the case when depressurized, simplifies the fabrication process, reduces costs, and maintains the freshness of stored food items by maintaining a sealed state, enhancing the overall functionality and cost-effectiveness of the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
a transformation preventing member formed of a material having a higher strength than that of the case body, the transformation preventing member provided at an open region of the case body and configured to prevent transformation of the case
Implementation Method 2
a depressurizing device configured to depressurize inside of the drawer and the case to a pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a refrigerator, comprising: a refrigerator body having a cooling chamber; a case comprising a case body having therein an accommodation space of which one side is open, and a transformation preventing member formed of a material having a higher strength than that of the case body, the transformation preventing member provided at an open region of the case body and configured to prevent transformation of the case; a drawer accommodated in the case in a withdrawable manner; and a depressurizing device configured to depressurize inside of the drawer and the case to a pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure, when the drawer is accommodated in the case. Under such configuration, transformation of the case can be prevented, and the case can be easily fabricated.