Patent Publication Number: US-11650003-B2

Title: Vacuum generating system for an appliance incorporating a vacuum insulated structure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/063,155 filed Oct. 5, 2020 entitled VACUUM GENERATING SYSTEM FOR AN APPLIANCE INCORPORATING A VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURE, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,231,223, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/304,393 filed Nov. 26, 2018, entitled VACUUM GENERATING SYSTEM FOR AN APPLIANCE INCORPORATING A VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,830,526, which is a national stage of International Application No. PCT/US2016/053711 filed Sep. 26, 2016, entitled VACUUM GENERATING SYSTEM FOR AN APPLIANCE INCORPORATING A VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURE, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DEVICE 
     The device is in the field of vacuum insulated structures for appliances, and more specifically, an air movement system disposed within the appliance for generating a vacuum within a vacuum insulated structure. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one aspect, an appliance includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner placed within the outer wrapper and spaced apart from the outer wrapper to define an insulating space. A trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper to define a structural cabinet. The trim breaker defines a front face of the cabinet. The trim breaker defines a gas conduit disposed within a wall of the structural cabinet proximate the insulating space. The gas conduit is adapted to define selective communication between the insulating space and an exterior of the structural cabinet. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating space, wherein the gas conduit is substantially free of the insulating material. 
     In at least another aspect, an appliance includes a structural cabinet having an interior cavity defined by an inner liner, an outer wrapper and a trim breaker that extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. A gas conduit is defined within an interior cavity of the structural cabinet, wherein the interior cavity also includes an insulation space that is partially separated from the gas conduit by a filter member. A plurality of gas valves are selectively operable between open and closed positions, the open position defined by fluid communication between an exterior of the structural cabinet and the insulating space via the gas conduit, the closed position defined by the interior cavity being hermetically sealed at the plurality of valves. 
     In at least another aspect, a method of forming a vacuum insulated structure includes steps of coupling a trim breaker to an inner liner and an outer wrapper to define a structural cabinet and an insulating space therein, the trim breaker defining an interior gas conduit that is at least partially separated from the insulating space. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating space. A plurality of gas valves are attached to the structural cabinet. The plurality of gas valves are in selective communication with the insulating space via the interior gas conduit. A vacuum chamber is placed around at least a portion of the structural cabinet such that the plurality of gas valves are disposed within the vacuum chamber. Gas is expressed from the vacuum chamber to define a first gas pressure proximate the exterior of the structural cabinet and around the plurality of gas valves. The first gas pressure is less than a second gas pressure defined within the insulating space and the gas conduit, thereby defining an open position of the plurality of gas valves. Gas is expressed from the insulating space through the plurality of gas valves in the open position via the gas conduit and into the vacuum chamber, wherein the expressed gas is further expressed from the vacuum chamber, wherein as the gas is expressed through the gas conduit, the insulating material is maintained in the insulating space. The plurality of gas valves are placed in the closed position by defining a substantially equalized pressure within the vacuum chamber and the insulating space, wherein the first gas pressure is approximately equal to the second gas pressure. Gas is returned to the vacuum chamber such that the first gas pressure is greater than the second gas pressure, and wherein the plurality of gas valves are maintained in the closed position. The vacuum chamber and the structural cabinet are separated. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective view of a structural cabinet for an appliance incorporating an aspect of the vacuum generating system; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic perspective view of a structural cabinet for an appliance incorporating another aspect of the vacuum generating system; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic illustration exemplifying a gas valve used within an aspect of the vacuum generating system; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of a trim breaker incorporated within an aspect of the structural cabinet and incorporating portions of the vacuum generating system; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wall of the structural cabinet incorporating an aspect of the vacuum generation system; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a structural cabinet incorporating an aspect of the vacuum generating system incorporating a plurality of gas valves within a trim breaker; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas valve of  FIG.  6    illustrating the gas valve in a closed position; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of the gas valve of  FIG.  7    illustrating the gas valve in an open position; 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aspect of the gas generating system with a structural cabinet entirely disposed within a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum generating system operating to place the gas valves in an open position; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vacuum chamber of  FIG.  9    showing the gas generating device creating an equalized low air pressure within the vacuum chamber and within an insulating space of the structural cabinet to place the gas valves in a closed position; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vacuum chamber of  FIG.  10    illustrating the vacuum generation system returning air to the vacuum chamber while maintaining an at least partial vacuum within the insulating space of the structural cabinet and maintaining the gas valves in a closed position; 
         FIG.  12    is a partially exploded perspective view of an aspect of a vacuum frame used to generate an at least partial vacuum around a trim breaker of a structural cabinet; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a vacuum frame attached to the front edge of the structural cabinet of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view of the structural cabinet of  FIG.  13    taken along line XIV-XIV; and 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for forming a vacuum insulated structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in  FIG.  1   . However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a vacuum generating system for drawing gas  12 , such as air, from an insulating space  14  defined within a structural cabinet  16  for an appliance  18 , and maintaining an at least partial vacuum  20  within the insulating space  14 . According to the various embodiments, an appliance  18  can include an outer wrapper  22  and an inner liner  24  that is placed within the outer wrapper  22 . The inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22  are spaced apart from one another to define the insulating space  14  therebetween. A trim breaker  26  extends between the inner liner  24  and the outer wrapper  22  to define the structural cabinet  16  with the insulating space  14  defined therein. The trim breaker  26  defines a front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16 , where the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16  defines various apertures for refrigerated compartments  30  within the structural cabinet  16 . The trim breaker  26  can extend along the front face  28  of the sidewalls  32 , top wall  34  and bottom wall  36  of the structural cabinet  16 . Additionally, the front face  28  can extend along a mullion  38  that extends across an interior refrigerated compartment  30  of the structural cabinet  16  to define multiple refrigerated compartments  30 . It is contemplated that the trim breaker  26  can define a gas conduit  40  disposed proximate the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16  proximate the insulating space  14 . The gas conduit  40  can be adapted to define a selective communication between the insulating space  14  and an exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . An insulating material  44  is disposed within the insulating space  14 , where the gas conduit  40  is substantially free of the insulating material  44 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 8   , to further define the vacuum generating system  10 , at least one gas valve  50  is disposed within a portion of the trim breaker  26 . The at least one gas valve  50  is operable between open and closed positions  52 ,  54 . The gas valve  50  can be a passively operated valve or can be a valve that is manually crimped and closed. The open position  52  is defined by a fluid communication existing between the insulating space  14  and the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  via the gas conduit  40 . In this manner, the gas valve  50  is adapted to extend at least partially into the gas conduit  40  to allow for movement of air from the insulating space  14  through the gas conduit  40  and out of the gas valve  50 , when the gas valve  50  is in the open position  52 . The closed position  54  of the gas valve  50  is defined by the gas conduit  40  and the insulating space  14  being hermetically sealed relative to the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . In this manner, the closed position  54  of the various gas valves  50  substantially prevents, or totally prevents, the flow of gas  12  from the insulating space  14  and the gas conduit  40  to the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . In this manner, the various gas valves  50  in the closed position  54  serve to maintain an at least partial vacuum  20  within the insulating space  14  and the gas conduit  40 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 11   , the open position  52  of the various gas valves  50  is defined by, or can be achieved by, the vacuum generating system  10  defining a first gas pressure  60  present proximate the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . Simultaneously, a second gas pressure  62  is present within the insulating space  14  and the gas conduit  40 . This second gas pressure  62  within the insulating space  14  and the gas conduit  40  is less than the first gas pressure  60  around the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . In this manner, the higher second gas pressure  62  within the insulating space  14  and the gas conduit  40  causes an outward force interior that pushes a portion of the gas valve  50  outward to allow for the expression of gas  12  from the insulating space  14 , through the gas conduit  40 , and out of the gas valve  50  that is now in the open position  52 . Accordingly, drawing air from a vacuum chamber  64  through the use of a vacuum pump  66  also serves to draw air from the insulating space  14  via the gas conduit  40  and through the various gas valves  50  in the open position  52 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  5 - 11   , the expression of gas from the vacuum chamber  64  and from within the insulating space  14  of the structural cabinet  16  eventually results in a substantially equalized pressure  70  between the first and second gas pressures  60 ,  62  present within the vacuum chamber  64  and the insulating space  14 , respectively. Once the first and second gas pressures  60 ,  62  are substantially equalized, or are equalized, the outward force is removed and the gas valves  50  define the closed position  54 . It is contemplated that the resting state of the plurality of gas valves  50  can be in the closed position  54  such that the gas valves  50  are adapted to move to the closed position  54  when the first and second gas pressures  60 ,  62  are equalized. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 11   , once the gas valves  50  are moved to the closed position  54 , the vacuum generating system  10  can be deactivated and air can be returned to the vacuum chamber  64  and around the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . In this manner, the vacuum chamber  64  has the first air pressure that is consistent with the typical atmospheric pressure surrounding the vacuum chamber  64 . Because the plurality of gas valves  50  have been moved to the closed position  54 , after substantially all of the air was removed from the vacuum chamber  64 , the various gas valves  50  remain in the closed position  54  when air is reintroduced into the vacuum chamber  64 . The reintroduced air generates an inward force  80  that pushes a portion of the gas valve  50  against the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . In this manner, the air that is returned into the vacuum chamber  64  is not permitted to enter into the insulating space  14  since the various gas valves  50  are now in the closed position  54  in the insulating space  14  and gas conduit  40  are each hermetically sealed from areas exterior  42  to the structural cabinet  16 . Accordingly, the closed position  54  that reaches the various gas valves  50  is defined by the second gas pressure  62  present within the insulating space  14  and the gas conduit  40  being equal to or less than the first gas pressure  60  that is present around the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , the at least one gas valve  50  can be in the form of an umbrella valve  90 , where a portion of the umbrella valve  90  extends through at least a portion of the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . In such an embodiment, the gas valve  50  includes an operable flap  92  that is operable to define the open and closed positions  52 ,  54  of the gas valve  50 . The operable flap  92  is adapted to engage the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  when in the closed position  54 . The operable flap  92  is further adapted to deflect away from the structural cabinet  16  when in the open position  52  to allow for the release of air from the insulating space  14  via the gas conduit  40  and through the gas valves  50  in the open position  52 . It is contemplated that the operable flap  92  can extend over one or more venting apertures  94  defined within the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16 . When the gas valves  50  are in the closed position  54 , the operable flap  92  covers these venting apertures  94  to hermetically seal the venting apertures  94  from allowing the release of gas  12  from within the insulating space  14  and the gas conduit  40 . When the gas valve  50  is moved to the open position  52 , the operable flap  92  deflects away from the surface of the structural cabinet  16  and defines a fluid communication between the insulation space and the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  via the gas conduit  40  and the various gas valves  50 . 
     According to the various embodiments, the gas conduit  40 , which is defined within the interior cavity  100  of the structural cabinet  16  can be disposed proximate the trim breaker  26 , the inner liner  24  or the outer wrapper  22 . Accordingly, the gas conduit  40  can define a substantially continuous conduit that extends through various portions of the interior cavity  100  proximate the insulating space  14  of the structural cabinet  16 . In this manner, when the vacuum generating system  10  draws air from the vacuum chamber  64 , air is moved from the insulating space  14  and into the gas conduit  40 . Again, the gas conduit  40  extends substantially continuously or continuously through the interior cavity  100  of the structural appliance  18  to allow for the substantially free and efficient movement of gas  12  from the insulating space  14  and through the gas valves  50  via the gas conduit  40 . The gas conduit  40  can be defined by various integral structures that are formed within the trim breaker  26 , the inner liner  24 , the outer wrapper  22 , or combinations thereof such that the gas conduit  40  may be adapted to run through various portions of the interior cavity  100  of the structural cabinet  16 . By way of example, and not limitation,  FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrate a gas conduit  40  that is integrally formed within a portion of the trim breaker  26  such as a filter recess  110 . In such an embodiment, the gas conduit  40  runs within the interior cavity  100  of the structural cabinet  16  proximate the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16 . Again, it is contemplated that the gas conduit  40  can be in the form of a single continuous air moving channel that connects or substantially connects each of the gas valves  50  with one another such that each of the gas valves  50  are also placed in communication with one another via the gas conduit  40 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  2 - 8   , it is contemplated that the gas conduit  40  can be at least partially defined by a filter member  120  that defines a boundary  122  between the insulating space  14  and the gas conduit  40 . In this manner, the filter member  120  can be disposed along an outer surface of the gas conduit  40  to maintain the gas conduit  40  to be free of the insulating material  44 . In other words, in order to allow for the substantially free movement of air through the gas conduit  40 , the filter member  120  prevents the insulating material  44  from infiltrating the gas conduit  40  that might serve to clog or impede the flow of air through the gas conduit  40  and to the various fluid valves during the expression of gas  12  from the insulating space  14 . It is contemplated that the filter member  120  can be in the form of a planar screen  130  that extends across the filter recess  110  defined within the trim breaker  26 , or defined within the inner liner  24  and/or outer wrapper  22 . It is further contemplated that the filter member  120  can be in the form of a filter tube  132  that is disposed within the filter recess  110  of the trim breaker  26 , or other component of the structural cabinet  16 . In such an embodiment, the filter tube  132  and the filter recess  110  cooperate to define the gas conduit  40 . 
     It is contemplated that the filter member  120 , whether a planar screen  130 , such as a mesh barrier, or filter tube  132 , can include a plurality of filter apertures that are sized to be generally smaller than the particle size of the insulating material  44 . Accordingly, the filter member  120  can serve to contain the insulating material  44  within the insulating space  14  and prevent or substantially prevent the infiltration of the insulating material  44  within the gas conduit  40 . It is also contemplated that the mesh size of the filter member  120  can be adapted to be smaller than the vent apertures defined within the exterior surface of the structural cabinet  16  proximate each of the valves. Accordingly, where insulating material  44  does infiltrate the gas conduit  40 , such particles of insulating material  44  may be small enough to pass through the vent apertures and out from the gas conduit  40 , such that the free or substantially free movement of gas  12  through the gas conduit  40  can be maintained during formation of the vacuum insulated structure by the vacuum generating system  10 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 11   , it is contemplated that the first and second gas pressures  60 ,  62  that serve to operate the various gas valves  50  between the open and closed positions  52 ,  54  can be generated by a vacuum pump  66  that is placed in communication with the at least one gas valve  50 . Accordingly, the vacuum pump  66  is adapted to selectively generate and dissipate an at least partial vacuum  20  within the vacuum chamber  64  that is selectively positioned at least proximate the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16  and potentially around the entire structural cabinet  16 . Accordingly, as discussed above, the expression of air from the structural cabinet  16  places the various gas valves  50  in the open position  52 . Once the first and second gas pressures  60 ,  62  within the vacuum chamber  64  and inside the insulating space  14 , respectively, are equalized, the gas valves  50  are moved to the closed position  54 . As discussed above, once air is reintroduced into the vacuum chamber  64 , the gas valves  50  are maintained in the closed position  54  such that the at least partial vacuum  20  within the insulating space  14  can be maintained when air is returned to the vacuum chamber  64 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 14   , it is contemplated that the appliance  18  can include the structural cabinet  16  that has the interior cavity  100  defined by the inner liner  24 , the outer wrapper  22  and the trim breaker  26  that extends between the inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22 . As discussed above, the gas conduit  40  is defined within the interior cavity  100  of the structural cabinet  16 . The interior cavity  100  also includes an insulating space  14  that is partially separated from the gas conduit  40  by the filter member  120 . The plurality of gas valves  50  are selectively operable between open and closed positions  52 ,  54 . As discussed above, the open position  52  is defined between fluid communication between the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  and the insulating space  14  via the gas conduit  40 . The closed position  54  of the gas valves  50  is defined by the interior cavity  100  being hermetically sealed from the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  at the plurality of gas valves  50 . As discussed above, the gas conduit  40  can be defined within a portion of the trim breaker  26 . It is also contemplated, in various embodiments, that the various conduits can be defined within portions of the inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22 . In each of these embodiments, it is contemplated that the gas conduit  40  includes the filter member  120  that serves to contain the insulating material  44  within the insulating space  14  and substantially prevents the infiltration of the insulating material  44  into the gas conduit  40 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  6 - 8  and  12 - 14   , it is contemplated that the vacuum chamber  64  can be in the form of a vacuum frame  140  that engages the structural cabinet  16  proximate the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16 . In such an embodiment, the vacuum frame  140  can attach to the front face  28 , and may at least partially extend around portions of the front face  28  to securely engage the structural cabinet  16 . Where the vacuum frame  140  is utilized, the vacuum frame  140  expresses gas  12  from an area proximate the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16  to define the first air pressure at the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  to be less than the second air pressure, thereby moving the various gas valves  50  to the open position  52 . While the gas valves  50  are in the open position  52 , gas  12  is expressed from the insulating space  14  and through the gas valves  50  in the open position  52  via the gas conduit  40 . As discussed above, once the first and second gas pressures  60 ,  62  define an equalized pressure  70  through the expression of gas  12  from the vacuum chamber  64  and the insulating space  14 , the various gas valves  50  move to the closed position  54 . Once in the closed position  54 , the vacuum frame  140  allows air to return to the vacuum chamber  64  and around the exterior surface of the structural cabinet  16  proximate the front face  28 . Because the first air pressure is greater now than the second air pressure, the pressure differential between the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  and the insulating space  14  pushes the operable flap  92  against the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  and maintains the hermetic seal at the various gas valves  50  to prevent infiltration of gas  12  into the insulating cavity via the gas conduit  40 . Once air is returned to the vacuum chamber  64  within the vacuum frame  140 , the vacuum frame  140  can be removed and the gas valves  50  continue to be maintained in the closed position  54  to maintain the at least partial vacuum  20  within the insulating space  14 . 
     According to the various embodiments, the use of the vacuum frame  140  versus the fully enclosing vacuum chamber  64  as part of the vacuum generating system  10  can depend upon various factors that can include, but are not limited to, the placement of the various gas valves  50  and the path of the gas conduit  40 , the size of the structural cabinet  16 , the configuration of the various walls of the structural cabinet  16 , the thickness of the walls of the structural cabinet  16 , the composition of the insulating material  44  within the structural cabinet  16 , combinations thereof, and other similar factors. Typically, where all of the gas valves  50  are disposed in the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16 , the use of the vacuum frame  140  can be advantageous since all of the gas valves  50  are substantially within the same vertical plane along the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16 . Alternatively, where the various gas valves  50  are disposed within the trim breaker  26 , the inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22 , the use of the fully enclosing vacuum chamber  64  may be more advantageous due to the more complex placement of the various gas valves  50 . 
     It is also contemplated that various sections of the filter member  120  may be extended into interior portions of the insulating space  14 . In this manner, portions of the gas conduit  40  may extend distal from the various gas valves  50  and may be run into more remote sections of the insulating space  14  to allow for the more efficient movement of the gas  12  from the insulating space  14 , through the gas conduit  40 , and to the various gas valves  50  of the vacuum generating system  10 . These branch sections  150  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) of the filter member  120  can be run through interior portions of each of the walls of the structural cabinet  16 , along corners of the structural cabinet  16 , along inward surfaces of the inner liner  24  and/or outer wrapper  22  and other locations to allow for the more efficient flow of gas  12  from the insulating space  14  to the gas conduit  40 . It is contemplated that the use of these branch sections  150  of the gas conduit  40  may need to be limited in order to prevent the placement of the branch sections  150  from detracting from the insulating functions of the structural cabinet  16 . To prevent such a condition, the branch sections  150  of the gas conduit  40  may be of a finer diameter filter tube  132  such that the various branch sections  150  occupy only a very minimal space within the various sections of the insulating space  14  of the structural cabinet  16 , while also allowing for the efficient movement of gas  12  through the insulating space  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 15   , having described the various embodiments of the vacuum generating system  10 , a method  400  is disclosed for forming a vacuum insulated structure within a structural cabinet  16 . According to the method  400 , a trim breaker  26  is coupled to an inner liner  24  and an outer wrapper  22  to define a structural cabinet  16  and an insulating space  14  disposed therein (step  402 ). It is contemplated that the trim breaker  26  can define the interior gas conduit  40  that is at least partially separated from the insulating space  14 . During the formation of the structural cabinet  16 , an insulating material  44  can be disposed within the insulating space  14  (step  404 ). Various insulating materials  44  can include, but are not limited to, vacuum insulated panels, microspheres, nanospheres, fibrous insulating material, various silica-based materials, combinations thereof and other similar insulating materials. The plurality of gas valves  50  are attached to the structural cabinet  16 , where each of the gas valves  50  is adapted to be in selective communication with the insulating space  14  via the interior gas conduit  40  (step  406 ). It is contemplated that the plurality of gas valves  50  can be set within a portion of the trim breaker  26  and at least partially extend into the gas conduit  40  defined within the trim breaker  26 . In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the trim breaker  26  may be an injection molded member that is injection molded around the various gas valves  50 . It is also contemplated that the various gas valves  50  can be separately inserted into various portions of the trim breaker  26  after formation of the trim breaker  26 . As discussed above, the various gas valves  50  can also be disposed within portions of the inner liner  24 /or the outer wrapper  22  where the gas conduit  40  extends through portions of the inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22  of the structural cabinet  16 . After the structural cabinet  16  is formed, a vacuum chamber  64  is placed around at least a portion of the structural cabinet  16 , such that the plurality of gas valves  50  are disposed within the vacuum chamber  64  (step  408 ). As discussed above, where the various gas valves  50  are disposed only along the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16 , the vacuum chamber  64  may be in the form of a vacuum frame  140  that attaches to the front face  28  of the structural cabinet  16 . 
     Alternatively, where the various gas valves  50  are disposed around portions of the structural cabinet  16 , such as in the trim breaker  26 , in the inner liner  24  and/or in the outer wrapper  22 , the entire structural cabinet  16  may be enclosed within a surrounding vacuum chamber  64 . Once the vacuum chamber  64  is properly positioned with respect to the various gas valves  50 , gas  12  can be expressed from the vacuum chamber  64  to define the first gas pressure  60  proximate the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  and around the plurality of gas valves  50  (step  410 ). 
     As discussed above, where this first gas pressure  60  is less than a second gas pressure  62  defined within the insulating space  14  and a gas conduit  40 , the various gas valves  50  are operated to define an open position  52  of the gas valves  50 . As gas  12  is expressed from the vacuum chamber  64  to place the various valves in the open position  52 , gas  12  is also expressed from the insulating space  14  through the plurality of gas valves  50  in the open position  52  via the gas conduit  40  and into the vacuum chamber  64  (step  412 ). In this manner, the expressed gas  12  from the insulating space  14  is further expressed from the vacuum chamber  64 . 
     According to the various embodiments, as gas  12  is expressed through the gas conduit  40 , the filter member  120  serves to maintain the insulating material  44  within the insulating space  14  and substantially prevent infiltration of the insulating material  44  into the gas conduit  40 . After sufficient gas  12  is expressed from the vacuum chamber  64  and the insulating space  14 , the plurality of gas valves  50  are placed in the closed position  54  that is defined by a substantially equalized pressure  70  within the vacuum chamber  64  outside the structural cabinet  16  and the insulating space  14  (step  414 ). Accordingly, the first gas pressure  60  is approximately equal to the second gas pressure  62  to define the substantially equalized gas pressure that allows the gas valves  50  to move to the closed position  54 . After the gas valves  50  are moved to the closed position  54  and the insulating space  14  and gas conduit  40  are hermetically sealed from the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  by the gas valves  50  in the closed position  54 , gas  12  is returned to the vacuum chamber  64  (step  416 ). When gas  12  is returned to the vacuum chamber  64 , the first gas pressure  60  now becomes greater than the second gas pressure  62  and the plurality of gas valves  50  are maintained in the closed position  54  by the lower second gas pressure  62  within the insulating cavity of the gas conduits  40 . The lower second gas pressure  62  within the interior cavity  100  of the structural cabinet  16  draws the operable flap  92  inward and toward the exterior  42  of the structural cabinet  16  to maintain a hermetic seal at each of the gas valves  50 . 
     According to the various embodiments, the use of the vacuum generating system  10  can assist in the distribution of the insulating material  44  throughout the insulating space  14 . It is contemplated that the gas conduit  40  can be used during the process of disposing the insulating material  44  within the insulating space  14 . As the insulating material  44  is blown, poured or otherwise deposited within the insulating space  14 , gas  12  can simultaneously be drawn from the insulating space  14  and into the gas conduit  40 . This movement of gas  12  from the insulating space  14  and through the gas conduit  40  acts as a vacuum to draw fine particulate insulating material  44  throughout the insulating space  14 . Because the gas conduit  40  is spaced throughout portions of the interior cavity  100 , the fine particulate insulating material  44  can be drawn in a plurality of directions to fill or substantially fill spaces that may exist between larger sized particles of insulating material  44 . Accordingly, by using the gas conduit  40 , a flow of powder insulating material  44  having a fine particle size can be drawn to fill substantially all areas of the insulating space  14 . The use of the gas conduit  40  to draw the powder insulating material  44  throughout the insulating space  14  also serves to provide a more densely packed insulating material  44 . This is especially true after the gas conduit  40  is implemented to generate the at least partial vacuum  20  within the interior cavity  100 . 
     After the vacuum chamber  64  defines a first gas pressure  60  that is substantially equal to the surrounding atmosphere, the vacuum chamber  64  is separated from the structural cabinet  16  (step  418 ). The atmospheric pressure around the structural chamber is greater than the second gas pressure  62  within the interior cavity  100  of the structural cabinet  16 , such that the gas valves  50  are maintained in the closed position  54 . Accordingly, the at least partial vacuum  20  within the insulating space  14  with the gas conduit  40  is maintained after the vacuum chamber  64  is separated from the structural cabinet  16 . 
     According to the various embodiments, the vacuum generating system  10  described herein can be used for generating the vacuum insulated structure within the various appliances  18 . These appliances  18  can include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, various other appliances, vacuum insulated structures, vacuum insulated panels, and other similar vacuum-based insulation systems. It is also contemplated that the materials of the structural cabinet  16  can vary, where such materials can include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, various polymers, combinations thereof and other similar materials. Typically, the trim breaker  26  for the structural cabinet  16  will be made of plastic that is either attached to the inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22  or is injection molded around portions of the inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22 . The inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22  may be made of various rigid materials that can include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, combinations thereof, and other similar rigid-type materials. 
     It is further contemplated that the placement of the gas conduit  40 , within portions of the trim breaker  26 , can vary. As exemplified in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the gas conduit  40  may be disposed proximate an attachment point for either one of the inner liner  24  and outer wrapper  22 . It is also contemplated that the gas conduit  40  may be centrally disposed within the trim breaker  26 . The exact placement of the gas conduit  40  and the gas valves  50  can vary depending upon the design of the appliance  18 , as dictated by the various factors discussed herein. 
     According to the various embodiments, the use of the vacuum generating system  10  allows for providing a well packed insulating material  44  within the insulating space  14 , particularly around the trim breaker  26  where the gas conduit  40  is typically located. The well packed insulating material  44  provides for lower thermal conductivity through the structural cabinet  16  and at the trim breaker  26 . Maintaining a lower thermal conductivity within and around the trim breaker  26  is useful to prevent external condensation on the refrigerator walls and near the interface between the structural cabinet and the doors and other operable panels of the appliance  18 . 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 
     The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.