Whirlpool Corporation
HERMETICALLY SEALED OVERMOLDED PLASTIC THERMAL BRIDGE BREAKER WITH LINER AND WRAPPER FOR A VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURE

Abstract:

A vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes an exterior wrapper with a front edge extending around an opening thereof. A liner includes a front edge extending around an opening of the liner, wherein the liner is disposed inside of the wrapper. A thermal bridge includes an outer coupling portion and an inner coupling portion. In assembly, the outer coupling portion is overmolded to the front edge of the wrapper, and the inner coupling portion is overmolded to the front edge of the liner to form a sealed vacuum cavity (VC) between the wrapper and the liner. The thermal bridge is formed in a mold in which the wrapper and liner are partially disposed to form a unitary composite structure.