Vacuum Adiabatic Refrigerator Wall Structure for Reduced Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum adiabatic technologies for refrigerators face challenges in achieving a sufficient adiabatic effect due to difficulties in maintaining a stable vacuum state and preventing heat transfer at temperature contact points, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum adiabatic body comprising a first and second plate member with a sealing part to create a vacuum space, a supporting unit to maintain the space, and a heat resistance unit with a conductive resistance sheet that includes a mounting part and curved parts to reduce heat transfer, along with an exhaust port for gas exhaustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a vacuum adiabatic body is applied to increase internal volume, then the internal volume of the refrigerator is increased, but heat transfer at contact portions between external and internal cases cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive resistance sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the external case and internal case to block heat conduction paths. This sheet specifically addresses heat transfer at contact portions by providing thermal resistance where the cases would otherwise be in direct contact, thereby reducing energy loss while preserving the vacuum adiabatic structure's volume benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive resistance sheet is strategically placed only at specific contact portions between the external and internal cases, rather than uniformly across the entire structure. This localized application provides thermal resistance precisely where heat transfer occurs most significantly, optimizing energy conservation without compromising overall internal volume.
2Loss of energy
If foam urethane adiabatic walls with thickness of 30 cm or more are provided, then adiabatic performance is improved, but the internal volume of the refrigerator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from using thick solid foam urethane walls to a vacuum-based adiabatic system. By changing the physical state from solid insulation to vacuum (removing gas molecules), thermal conduction and convection are dramatically reduced. The conductive resistance sheet further modifies the thermal parameters at critical contact points, achieving superior insulation with minimal space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the gas molecules from the wall structure to create a vacuum environment, removing the medium that enables heat transfer. This eliminates the need for thick foam materials while maintaining or improving adiabatic performance. The conductive resistance sheet is then applied to address the remaining heat transfer paths through structural contact portions.
3Ease of manufacture
If all walls are manufactured using a single vacuum adiabatic body, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but it is difficult to maintain a stable vacuum state and prevent heat transfer at contact portions
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum adiabatic body is segmented into distinct functional components: the external case, internal case, vacuum space, and conductive resistance sheet. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the vacuum space provides the primary adiabatic effect, while the conductive resistance sheet specifically addresses heat transfer at contact portions. The modular structure also facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining vacuum integrity.
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 solution effectively enhances the adiabatic effect by minimizing heat transfer through the conductive resistance sheet and supporting unit, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective application in refrigerators while maintaining a stable vacuum state.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum space part provided between the first plate member and the second plate member
Implementation Method 2
a heat resistance unit for decreasing a heat transfer amount between the first plate member and the second plate member... the conductive resistance sheet resisting heat conduction flowing along a wall for the third space
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate; a second plate; a seal; a support; a heat resistance unit; and an exhaust port, wherein the heat resistance unit includes a conductive resistance sheet connected to at least one of the first and second plates, the conductive resistance sheet resisting heat conduction flowing along a wall for the third space, the conductive resistance sheet includes a mounting part mounted on the first or second plate and a curved part having at least one portion depressed into the third space, a coupler that fixes the conductive resistance sheet to the first or second plate is formed on the mounting part, and the curved part includes a first curved part depressed toward the third space and a second curved part extending from the first curved part, the second curved part surrounding an edge portion of the first or second plate.