Vacuum Insulation Panel Framing for Rigid Foam-Free Refrigerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators rely on a combination of urethane foam insulation and vacuum insulation panels to maintain rigidity and heat insulation, limiting the improvement of heat insulation performance.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design utilizing a vacuum insulation module with a vacuum insulation panel supported by inner and outer frames, eliminating the need for foamed insulation and enhancing heat insulation performance by reducing cold loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panel is used alone, then heat insulation performance is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator body is segmented into multiple functional components: vacuum insulation panels for thermal isolation, inner and outer frames for structural support, and cartridges for mechanical protection. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its primary function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite structure combining vacuum insulation panels with frame structures and protective cartridges. This composite approach integrates the thermal insulation properties of vacuum panels with the mechanical strength of frames, achieving both energy efficiency and structural integrity.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panel is used alone, then heat insulation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator body is divided into modular components including vacuum insulation panels, frames, and cartridges that can be manufactured separately and assembled systematically. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining high insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The frames serve multiple functions: providing structural support, holding vacuum insulation panels in place, and connecting various components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panel is used alone, then heat insulation performance is improved, but refrigerator thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes thin vacuum insulation panels that provide effective thermal barrier properties with minimal thickness. The vacuum environment within these thin panels creates an excellent insulator without requiring substantial material depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a distributed foam insulation approach to a dimensional framework using frames and cartridges. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization and reduced overall thickness while maintaining insulation effectiveness.
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 design improves heat insulation performance and increases storage space by using only vacuum insulation panels, simplifying assembly and reducing the refrigerator's thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum insulation panel provided between the inner case and the outer case to insulate the storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator having an inner case, a storage compartment formed in the inner case, an outer case provided outside the inner case, an inner frame coupled to an outer surface of the inner case to support the inner case, an outer frame coupled to an inner surface of the outer case to support the outer case, and a vacuum insulation panel provided between the inner case and the outer case to insulate the storage compartment and supported by the inner frame and the outer frame. The refrigerator can be assembled without foaming insulation and maintain rigidity.