Vacuum Insulated Refrigerator Panel Structure for Controlled Bow Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum insulated structures in refrigerators experience deformation and air flow obstruction during the vacuum draw process, leading to unpredictable bow deflection and potential reduction in insulating efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of deformation control members, such as stepped areas and ribs, in the cover members of the vacuum insulated structure to reduce deformation and facilitate air flow during vacuum evacuation, while maintaining the insulating material out of the air flow path through a mesh material layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum evacuation is performed on the insulating cavity, then insulating efficiency is improved, but cover members deform and air flow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The cover members are segmented into multiple regions: rigid perimeter portions that maintain structural integrity and deformation control members (stepped areas) that allow controlled deformation. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to have different mechanical properties, enabling the structure to withstand vacuum pressure while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cover members are given different mechanical properties. The perimeter portions maintain high rigidity to provide structural support, while the deformation control members (stepped areas) are designed with specific geometric features that allow controlled deformation during vacuum evacuation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall structural stability and localized deformation control.
2Reliability
If vacuum evacuation is performed on the insulating cavity, then insulating efficiency is improved, but air flow path is obstructed by insulating material
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation control members create a stepped, multi-level structure that adds vertical dimensionality to the air flow path. Air can flow through multiple levels and around obstacles rather than being blocked by a flat, two-dimensional barrier. This dimensional approach allows air to navigate around insulating material more effectively during vacuum evacuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation control members act as intermediaries between the vacuum source and the insulating material. They create a controlled interface that guides air flow around the insulating material rather than allowing direct obstruction, enabling efficient air removal while maintaining the integrity of the insulating cavity.
3Manufacturing precision
If cover members are made more rigid to prevent deformation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but vacuum bow deflection becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The cover members transition from a static, uniformly rigid structure to a dynamic system with controlled deformation characteristics. The stepped areas are designed to deform in specific, predictable patterns during vacuum evacuation, transforming the cover members from rigid barriers into adaptive structures that maintain dimensional accuracy while accommodating vacuum-induced stresses.
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 minimizes deformation of the cover members, maintains insulating efficiency, and ensures a predictable vacuum bow deflection, while promoting effective air flow and reducing the obstruction of the vacuum draw process.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum drawn therefrom
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A vacuum insulated structure (12) includes a first cover member (72) of a stamped unitary sheet defining a perimeter portion (66, 68) positioned at a first planar level (P1) and a reinforcing member formed in the interior sheet extending to a second planar level (P2) spaced axially outward and disposed radially inward of the perimeter portion (66, 68). The vacuum insulated structure (12) also includes a second cover member (74) and a thermal bridge (22) interconnecting the first cover member (72) and the second cover member (74) at the perimeter portions (66, 68) thereof to define an insulating cavity (24) therebetween. The insulating cavity (24) is a sealed cavity (24) having a vacuum drawn therefrom, and the first reinforcing member is configured to reduce deformation of the first cover member (72) in at least an area adjacent the reinforcing member and to define a portion of a path for air flow out of the sealed cavity (24) during a vacuum draw process.