Vacuum Insulation with Segmented Insulators to Reduce Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator insulation methods fail to effectively maintain low pressure within the insulation gap, leading to thermal bridging and potential deformation or rupture of the inner and external liners due to atmospheric pressure, which compromises the efficiency and integrity of the insulation.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator cabinet design featuring an inner liner and external wrapper with a gap filled by two segregated insulators, where the first insulator is positioned near the front flange and the second insulator fills the rest of the gap, maintaining a pressure below 1000 Pa and using materials like fumed silica and precipitated silica to minimize thermal conductivity and resist pressure gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional insulation methods are used in the gap, then the structure is simple, but thermal bridging occurs and insulation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation gap is divided into multiple segments with different insulators positioned at different locations. A first insulator is placed in a first region of the gap, a second insulator in a second region, and a third insulator in a third region. This segmentation allows each insulator to address specific thermal bridging concerns in its region, collectively improving overall insulation efficiency without requiring a completely complex new structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different insulators are selected for different regions of the gap based on local thermal performance requirements. The first, second, and third insulators may have different material properties, densities, or thicknesses optimized for their specific locations, allowing targeted thermal management where needed most while maintaining simplicity in other areas.
2Strength
If the gap is left without sufficient insulation support, then the structure is simple, but the liners deform or rupture due to atmospheric pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The gap is divided into multiple regions with insulators strategically positioned in each region. This segmentation provides distributed structural support throughout the gap, preventing localized deformation or rupture of the liners under atmospheric pressure while avoiding the need for a single complex support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulators serve as intermediary elements between the inner liner and external wrapper, providing mechanical support and distributing atmospheric pressure forces. These insulators act as mediators that prevent direct contact and potential deformation between the liners and the external environment, enhancing structural strength without adding complex support mechanisms.
3Loss of energy
If multiple insulators are used in the gap, then thermal insulation efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into steps corresponding to the placement of each insulator in its specific region. This allows for modular assembly where each insulator can be independently positioned and secured, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to installing a single complex insulation system, while achieving superior thermal insulation through the combined effect of multiple insulators.
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 configuration enhances thermal insulation, resists deformation and rupture, and maintains efficiency over the service life by minimizing thermal bridging and pressure-induced distortions, while allowing for a cost-effective and structurally sound insulation solution.
Implementation Method 1
A first insulator is positioned within the gap, and a second insulator is positioned within the gap. A pressure within the gap is below about 1000 Pa.
Implementation Method 2
A pressure within the gap is below about 1000 Pa.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator cabinet is provided. The refrigerator cabinet 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. A first insulator is positioned within the gap, and a second insulator is positioned within the gap. A pressure within the gap is below about 1000 Pa.