Whirlpool Corporation
STIFFENING STRUCTURE FOR AN APPLIANCE

Abstract:

A vacuum insulation assembly for an appliance includes a plurality of panels that define a cavity. Each of the plurality of panels includes an inner surface. A port opening is defined by one of the plurality of panels and is defined in communication with the cavity. A vacuum insulation material is positioned within the cavity. A stiffening material is coupled to the inner surface of one or more of the plurality of panels. The stiffening material includes a polymer layer configured to adhere to the inner surface when the stiffening material is heated. A mesh layer is positioned over the polymer layer.