Vacuum insulated refrigerator structure with feature for controlling deformation and improved air withdrawal

A refrigerator, comprising:

• a first cover member of a stamped unitary sheet defining a perimeter portion positioned at a first planar level and a deformation control member formed in the unitary sheet extending to a second planar level spaced axially outward and disposed radially inward of the perimeter portion, the deformation control member being configured as a first rib defining an open interior portion extending axially outward of an inner surface of the first cover member, the first rib extending along an axis disposed at an angle of between 15° and 40° with respect to an edge of the cover member comprising the perimeter portion;
• a second cover member;
• and
• a thermal bridge interconnecting the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween, wherein the insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom, and further wherein the first deformation control member is configured to reduce deformation of the first cover member in at least an area adjacent the first rib.

A refrigerator, comprising:

• a first cover member of a stamped unitary sheet defining a perimeter portion positioned at a first planar level and a deformation control member formed in the unitary sheet extending to a second planar level spaced axially outward and disposed radially inward of the perimeter portion, the deformation control member being configured as a stepped area defined by a stepped segment of the first cover member extending to the second planar level from the first planar level;
• a second cover member;
• a thermal bridge interconnecting the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween;
• an insulating material disposed within the insulating cavity;
• and
• a mesh material layer received in the stepped area;
• wherein:
• the insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom;
• the first deformation control member is configured to reduce deformation of the first cover member in at least an area adjacent the deformation control member and to define a portion of a path for air flow out of the sealed cavity during a vacuum draw process;
• and
• the mesh material layer is configured to maintain the insulating material out of the portion of the air flow path defined within the stepped area.