Vacuum Insulated Machine Compartment for Refrigerator Cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of compartments within refrigerators affects the insulative ability, leading to inefficiencies in keeping items cool and preventing heat from entering, as existing methods often result in air leaks and increased manufacturing costs due to multiple weld locations.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum insulated structure is created by positioning an inner liner within an external wrapper with a gap, where the external wrapper is deep-drawn to form a machine compartment and foot, and a vacuum is drawn within the gap to enhance insulation, reducing air leaks and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional compartment formation methods are used within refrigerators, then compartments can be formed to organize items, but insulative ability deteriorates due to air leaks and multiple weld locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compartment structure with the refrigerator liner by forming compartments as integral portions of the liner rather than as separate components. This eliminates the need for separate compartment formations that would require additional welds and connections, thereby maintaining insulative ability while providing organized compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is segmented to form multiple compartments within a single integral structure. By creating recesses and protrusions that define separate storage spaces within the liner itself, the patent achieves compartmentalization without requiring separate components or additional weld locations that would compromise insulation.
2Device complexity
If multiple weld locations are used to form compartments, then compartment structure is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment structure is merged into the liner as an integral formation, eliminating the need for separate welding operations. The compartments are formed as recesses and protrusions within the liner material itself, reducing manufacturing steps and costs while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional compartment methods are used, then item organization is enabled, but heat prevention efficiency decreases due to air leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment structure is merged with the insulated liner to create a continuous insulation barrier. By forming compartments as integral portions of the liner with recesses and protrusions, the patent eliminates air leaks at compartment boundaries while maintaining the ability to organize items within the sealed insulation system.
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
This approach enhances insulative properties, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates potential leak points, resulting in improved cooling efficiency and reduced size, with the vacuum insulated structure providing enhanced thermal insulation and stability to the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum insulated structure is created by positioning an inner liner within an external wrapper with a gap, where the external wrapper is deep-drawn to form a machine compartment and foot, and a vacuum is drawn within the gap to enhance insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator cabinet is provided that includes an inner liner and an external wrapper. The inner liner is positioned within the external wrapper such that a gap is defined between the external wrapper and inner liner. The external wrapper includes a machine compartment including: a top wall, an interior wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A foot is defined by the external wrapper and is positioned below the machine compartment. The foot is at least partially defined by the bottom wall and at least partially supports the refrigerator cabinet.