Vacuum Adiabatic Refrigerator Wall With Curved Thermal Resistance Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum adiabatic technologies for refrigerators face challenges in achieving a sufficient adiabatic effect while maintaining a stable vacuum state and preventing heat transfer at temperature contact points, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity, and are limited to cryogenic applications.
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 connected to the plate members, featuring a curved design to resist heat conduction and an exhaust port for gas removal, optimizing the adiabatic performance by minimizing heat transfer.
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. This sheet has low thermal conductivity and creates thermal resistance at the contact portion, effectively blocking heat transfer while allowing the vacuum adiabatic body to maintain its volume-expanding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adiabatic structure combines multiple materials with different properties: vacuum space (for adiabatic effect), conductive resistance sheet (for thermal blocking), and supporting units (for structural integrity). This composite approach addresses both volume expansion and heat transfer prevention requirements.
2Loss of energy
If the external case is provided in a vacuum state, then adiabatic effect is improved, but deformation of cases occurs due to sound pressure
Solution Approach 1:
Supporting units are strategically positioned within the vacuum space to counterbalance the atmospheric pressure acting on the external case. These supports provide internal reinforcement that prevents case deformation while maintaining the vacuum state for optimal adiabatic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive resistance sheet and sealing parts are designed with appropriate flexibility to accommodate vacuum pressure differential without causing case deformation. These thin film structures adapt to pressure changes while maintaining their functional properties.
3Loss of energy
If a vacuum adiabatic panel is built in walls with separate molding, then adiabatic performance is improved, but manufacturing cost is increased and manufacturing method is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive resistance sheet is integrated directly into the contact portion structure between external and internal cases, eliminating the need for separate molding operations. This merging of functions simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining effective thermal blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive resistance sheet serves multiple functions: it blocks heat transfer, provides structural support at contact portions, and facilitates sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
4Ease of manufacture
If walls are provided using vacuum adiabatic material only, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adiabatic effect of practical level cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines vacuum adiabatic material with conductive resistance sheets at critical contact portions. This composite structure maintains cost-effectiveness by using simple vacuum technology while adding targeted thermal blocking only where heat transfer occurs, achieving practical adiabatic performance without excessive cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly applying complex adiabatic materials throughout, the conductive resistance sheet is applied locally only at contact portions where heat transfer occurs. This localized approach achieves effective thermal blocking with minimal additional cost and manufacturing complexity.
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 in refrigerators, reducing heat transfer and maintaining a stable vacuum state, making it suitable for general household refrigeration while minimizing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum space part provided between the first plate member and the second plate member; a heat resistance unit for decreasing a heat transfer amount between the first plate member and the second plate member
Implementation Method 2
the conductive resistance sheet resisting heat conduction flowing along a wall for the third space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A vacuum adiabatic body includes: a first plate member; a second plate member; a sealing part; a supporting unit; 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 plate members, 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 plate member and a curved part having at least one portion depressed into the third space, a coupling part for fixing the conductive resistance sheet to the plate member 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 plate member.