Refrigerator Door Ice Bank Mounting for Space-Saving Ice Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerators with ice banks occupy valuable storage space and require users to discharge ice only through a dispenser, limiting flexibility and convenience.

Innovation Solution

An ice bank fixation device that attaches the ice bank to the refrigerator door, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment, enabling users to access ice automatically through a dispenser or manually, while optimizing storage space by relocating the ice bank to the door's backside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the ice bank is placed inside the storage chamber, then the ice storage function is provided, but the storage chamber capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice storage capacityVSAvoidstorage chamber capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ice bank is relocated from the storage chamber (three-dimensional internal space) to the refrigerator door (vertical surface/different dimension), specifically utilizing the backside of the door. This dimensional transition allows ice storage without occupying storage chamber volume, resolving the contradiction between ice storage capacity and storage chamber availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If the ice bank is fixed to the refrigerator door, then storage space is optimized, but the attachment and detachment operations become complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage chamber capacityVSAvoidice bank attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device is divided into separate coupling components: first coupling parts on the ice bank and second coupling parts on the refrigerator door. These segmented elements can engage and disengage independently, simplifying the attachment and detachment operations while maintaining secure fixation when connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling parts are designed to transition between engaged and disengaged states dynamically. The first coupling parts can rotate to engage with or disengage from the second coupling parts, providing easy attachment and detachment operations while maintaining stable fixation during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If ice is discharged only through the dispenser, then the ice bank structure is simple, but the user flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice bank structureVSAvoidice access flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ice bank system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable one. The detachable coupling mechanism allows the ice bank to be easily removed and reattached, enabling users to access ice both through the dispenser (when attached) and manually (when detached), thereby increasing flexibility without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2066989B1A ice bank fixation devicing for refrigerator and a refrigerator comprising the same

Publication Date: 2015.12.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

Provided are an ice bank fixation device for a refrigerator, and a refrigerator including the ice bank fixation device. The ice bank fixation device includes a first coupling part disposed at an ice bank and a second coupling part. The second coupling part is configured to keep the ice bank at a position attached to a backside of a refrigerator door by an interlocking motion with the second coupling part.