Vacuum generating system for an appliance incorporating a vacuum insulated structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum insulated structures for appliances face challenges in maintaining an efficient vacuum within the insulating space due to inadequate gas management systems, leading to suboptimal thermal insulation and potential gas leakage.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum generating system comprising an outer wrapper, inner liner, and a trim breaker that defines a gas conduit, with selectively operable gas valves to manage pressure differentials between the insulating space and the exterior, ensuring hermetic sealing and efficient gas flow to maintain a partial vacuum within the insulating space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a vacuum insulated structure is used for thermal insulation, then thermal performance is improved, but gas leakage and inadequate gas management occur leading to vacuum degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal performanceVSAvoidvacuum maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A gas valve is introduced as an intermediary component within the trim breaker to control gas flow between the insulating space and exterior. This valve acts as a mediator that prevents uncontrolled gas leakage while maintaining the vacuum environment necessary for thermal insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical sealing systems with a gas valve-based pressure differential control system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical seals that may fail, the system uses controlled gas flow management through the valve to maintain vacuum integrity and prevent leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the insulating space is completely sealed, then vacuum is maintained, but gas conduit functionality and valve operation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum maintenanceVSAvoidgas conduit functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gas valve and gas conduit are merged within the trim breaker structure, creating an integrated component that simultaneously provides structural support, gas flow control, and vacuum sealing. This combination eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms while maintaining both vacuum integrity and conduit functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trim breaker is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both a structural element and a gas management system. It incorporates the gas valve, gas conduit, and sealing functions in a single integrated structure, allowing the same component to maintain vacuum while enabling controlled gas flow when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If insulating material is placed throughout the entire insulating space including gas conduit, then thermal insulation is maximized, but gas flow is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidgas flow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating material placement is differentiated by location: it fills the main insulating space for thermal insulation but is excluded from the gas conduit region. This local quality variation ensures that the gas conduit remains clear for efficient gas flow while the surrounding areas maintain maximum thermal insulation through complete material coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system effectively maintains a partial vacuum within the insulating space, enhancing thermal insulation by preventing gas leakage and ensuring efficient distribution of insulating materials, resulting in improved thermal performance and reduced condensation.

Implementation Method 1

Gas is expressed from the vacuum chamber to define a first gas pressure proximate the exterior of the structural cabinet and around the plurality of gas valves. The first gas pressure is less than a second gas pressure defined within the insulating space and the gas conduit, thereby defining an open position of the plurality of gas valves.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20240361067A1Vacuum generating system for an appliance incorporating a vacuum insulated structure

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

An appliance includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner placed within the outer wrapper and spaced apart from the outer wrapper to define an insulating space. A trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper to define a structural cabinet. The trim breaker defines a front face of the cabinet. The trim breaker defines a gas conduit disposed within a wall of the structural cabinet proximate the insulating space. The gas conduit is adapted to define selective communication between the insulating space and an exterior of the structural cabinet. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating space, wherein the gas conduit is substantially free of the insulating material.