Reinforcement assembly for an insulated structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulated structures in appliances face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and minimizing misalignment of doors under vacuum pressure, particularly due to inward compressive forces and varying loads, which can lead to bending and reduced useful life.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement assembly comprising a perimeter frame coupled to the peripheral edge of the wrapper and a central plate coupled to the mullion, along with hinges, provides structural support and load distribution to maintain the planar configuration of flanges and absorb door loads, thereby stabilizing the structure and extending its lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insulated structure is subjected to vacuum pressure, then the insulation performance is improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates due to inward compressive forces causing bending and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement assembly is divided into distinct segments: a perimeter frame that attaches to the outer wrapper and a central plate that attaches to the inner liner, with spacing members connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to independently manage specific stresses, with the perimeter frame handling edge stresses and the central plate handling central liner stresses, preventing overall structural collapse under vacuum pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement assembly applies localized support at critical stress points rather than uniform reinforcement throughout. The perimeter frame specifically reinforces the wrapper edges where bending moments are highest, while the central plate provides localized support to the inner liner at its center. This targeted approach maintains structural integrity without adding unnecessary weight or complexity throughout the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If door loads are applied to the insulated structure, then the door functionality is achieved, but misalignment occurs due to varying loads and inward forces
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement assembly is pre-installed on the insulated structure before door attachment. The perimeter frame and central plate are positioned and secured to the wrapper and liner respectively, creating a pre-established load-bearing framework. This preliminary action ensures that when doors are subsequently attached and subjected to operational loads, the alignment is maintained because the reinforcement structure is already in place to counteract misalignment forces.
3Strength
If the structure is reinforced to maintain structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the perimeter frame provides edge reinforcement and serves as a mounting structure for the outer wrapper, the central plate reinforces the inner liner and provides a mounting surface for the mullion, and the spacing members maintain structural geometry while allowing thermal expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive structural reinforcement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An appliance (12) includes a vacuum insulated structure (10) that has a peripheral edge (32) including a wrapper (14) and a liner (22). A mullion (28) is operably coupled to the vacuum insulated structure (10). A reinforcement assembly (30) is operably coupled to the vacuum insulated structure (10) and the mullion (28). The reinforcement assembly (30) includes a perimeter frame (32) that is operably coupled to the peripheral edge (20) of the vacuum insulated structure (10), and a central plate (34) that is operably coupled to the mullion (28). A door (36) is operably coupled to the reinforcement assembly (30).