Dual Ice Mover Circulation to Prevent Clumping in Refrigerator Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice dispensing systems in refrigerators often experience ice clumping due to temperature and humidity variations, particularly in storage bins with a circular rotational profile that are tall and narrow, leading to inefficient ice distribution and dispensing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple ice movers arranged adjacent to each other, which can operate in opposite directions to circulate and break apart clumped ice within the storage bin, allowing for concurrent operation during dispensing and circulation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single ice mover is used in a tall and narrow storage bin, then the storage bin can be configured to minimize space between the ice mover and sidewalls, but ice clumping occurs due to temperature and humidity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single ice mover function into multiple ice movers (first and second ice movers) arranged adjacent to each other. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compact storage bin dimensions while adding functionality to prevent ice clumping through opposite-direction rotation, thereby resolving the contradiction between space utilization and dispensing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ice movers that rotate in opposite directions to the conventional single-direction rotation. This inversion of rotational direction enables the ice movers to effectively break apart clumped ice by creating opposing forces, thus improving dispensing reliability without compromising the compact storage bin design.
2Volume of moving object
If the storage bin is configured tall and narrow to accommodate a circular rotational ice auger, then space between the auger and sidewalls is minimized, but ice builds up along the sidewalls outside the conveyance path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ice conveyance function across multiple adjacent ice movers instead of relying on a single auger. This allows the system to maintain the compact tall and narrow storage bin configuration while the multiple movers collectively cover a wider effective conveyance area, preventing ice buildup on sidewalls and improving overall conveyance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single circular rotational profile to multiple linearly arranged movers that can operate in opposite directions. This dimensional change from circular to linear arrangement allows better utilization of the compact storage bin space while effectively preventing ice buildup along the sidewalls through the coordinated action of adjacent movers.
3Reliability
If multiple ice movers are added to prevent ice clumping, then ice circulation and clump breaking improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ice movers into a single integrated system that operates within the same storage bin. By merging the functions of multiple movers into one coordinated unit with shared mounting and control structures, the system achieves effective ice circulation and clump breaking while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple ice movers are designed to perform multiple functions: they convey ice during dispensing operations and simultaneously prevent clumping through opposite-direction rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable ice circulation.
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
This solution effectively prevents ice clumping and ensures consistent ice dispensing by circulating ice within the storage bin, maintaining its quality and flow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first ice mover is operable to move ice toward the first end of the storage bin, and the second ice mover is operable to move ice toward the second end of the storage bin
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator utilizes an ice dispensing system incorporating first and second ice movers and a controller that operates the first ice mover to move ice toward the first end of a storage bin and out of a dispenser outlet during an ice dispensing operation, and operates the second ice mover concurrently with operating the first ice mover to circulate ice in the storage bin during an ice circulation operation.