A cooling device comprising an ice making device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice making devices face issues with excessive load on motor pins when using a single motor to drive two ice trays, leading to potential damage, and complications arise with the use of multiple motors increasing parts and costs, as well as complexity in control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A driving mechanism that moves in two stages, first moving only the first ice tray and then returning it to its initial position while simultaneously moving the second ice tray, utilizing a single motor with a ratchet mechanism and winding spring to allow separate and efficient operation of both trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor is used to drive two ice trays simultaneously, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the motor pin is subjected to excessive load which results in damaging the motor pin
Solution Approach 1:
The driving process is segmented into two separate movements: first movement drives only the first ice tray, second movement drives only the second ice tray after the first returns to initial position. This segmentation reduces the simultaneous load on the motor pin while maintaining a single motor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism dynamically changes the gear connection state during operation. During first movement, the locking mechanism engages to connect only the first gear to the motor. During second movement, it disengages to connect only the second gear, creating a dynamic load management system.
2Reliability
If two motors are used to drive two ice trays, then the reliability is improved, but the number of parts increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two motor functions are merged into a single motor through the locking mechanism and gear system. The single motor alternately drives different ice trays through controlled engagement and disengagement, achieving the functionality of two motors with only one physical motor unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor performs multiple functions by driving different ice trays at different times. The motor serves as both the primary driver for the first ice tray and the primary driver for the second ice tray, making it a universal driving component for both trays.
3Reliability
If two motors are used to drive two ice trays, then the reliability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the operational state, without requiring external control intervention. The mechanism self-regulates the gear connections during the two movements, simplifying the control system while maintaining reliable operation.
4Device complexity
If a single driving mechanism drives two ice trays, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity decreases due to sequential operation
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism operates in periodic cycles consisting of first movement followed by second movement. This periodic operation allows systematic sequential processing of both ice trays, achieving efficient ice cube removal while maintaining a simple single-motor structure.
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
Enables safe and efficient removal of ice cubes from both trays using a single motor, reducing part count, power consumption, and cost, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism that is attached onto the motor so as to be coaxial with the first gear and to allow the first gear to rotate in one direction and prevent the same from rotating in the other direction
Implementation Method 2
a winding spring that is attached onto the second gear and that enables the second ice tray to return back to its initial position after the movement of the second ice tray is completed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising an ice making device (2), wherein the ice making device (2) has a first ice tray (3) having a plurality of open-top cells filled with water; a second ice tray (4) that is positioned next to the first ice tray (3) parallel on the same plane and that has a plurality of open-top cells filled with water, and a driving mechanism (5) that can be moved in two different ways, that moves only the first ice tray (3) with the first movement (I) and that returns the first ice tray (3) to its initial position and moves the second ice tray (4) with the second movement (II).