Dual Ice Storage Layout for Space-Saving Refrigerator Ice Makers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerators with an ice maker installed at the door, the ice making chamber occupies valuable space in the refrigerating chamber, limiting the available space for food storage.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes an ice making tray in the upper section of the refrigerating chamber, a first storage container below to store ice falling from the tray, and a second storage container in the freezing chamber, with a guide channel and guide member to transfer ice from the first storage container to the second when it is full, allowing for continuous ice storage without expanding the ice making chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the ice making chamber is enlarged to provide sufficient ice storage space, then the ice storage capacity is improved, but the available space in the refrigerating chamber for food storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice storage system is segmented into two separate containers: a first storage container located in the lower space of the ice making chamber and a second storage container located in the freezing chamber. This segmentation allows ice to be stored in both locations, effectively increasing total ice storage capacity without requiring a larger ice making chamber that would encroach on refrigerating chamber space.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide channel is introduced as an intermediary structure to transfer ice from the first storage container to the second storage container. The guide channel includes a guide member that can be rotated to selectively guide ice to either the first storage container or the second storage container, enabling flexible ice distribution between the two storage locations.
2Area of stationary object
If the ice making chamber is reduced to increase food storage space in the refrigerating chamber, then the available space for food storage is improved, but the ice storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice storage function is segmented across two separate locations: the first storage container in the ice making chamber and the second storage container in the freezing chamber. This allows the ice making chamber to remain compact while still providing sufficient total ice storage capacity through the distributed container system.
Solution Approach 2:
The freezing chamber serves a dual function: it acts as both a food freezing storage space and houses the second storage container for ice. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain adequate ice storage capacity without requiring dedicated additional space that would reduce food storage availability in the refrigerating chamber.
3Quantity of substance
If a single large storage container is used for ice, then the ice storage capacity is improved, but the device complexity is reduced compared to multiple containers with transfer mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into two separate containers rather than using one large container. While this increases structural elements, it allows each container to be simpler in design and positioned in existing chamber spaces, avoiding the need for a complex single large structure that would require significant modifications to the refrigerator layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel with rotatable guide member provides a relatively simple mechanical transfer mechanism between containers. This intermediary structure enables automatic ice transfer based on container fullness detection, providing intelligent functionality without requiring complex automation systems.
4Extent of automation
If multiple storage containers are used with automatic transfer, then the ice storage capacity and automation are improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments ice storage into two containers with automatic transfer capability. Ice amount detection units monitor each container's fullness and automatically control the guide member rotation to transfer ice when needed, providing automated management of distributed storage without requiring complex centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Ice amount detection units provide feedback on the fullness status of both storage containers. This feedback information is used by the control unit to automatically determine when ice transfer is needed and to control the guide member rotation accordingly, enabling automated operation based on real-time container status.
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 design reduces the size of the ice making chamber while ensuring sufficient ice storage, thereby increasing the available space in the refrigerating chamber by transferring ice to the freezing chamber once the first storage container is full.
Implementation Method 1
a guide channel to guide, when the first storage container enters an ice-full state, ice falling from the ice making tray to the second storage container in the freezing chamber
Implementation Method 2
controlling an ice making operation of an ice maker to make ice in an ice making chamber defined in the refrigerating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including a main body provided with a refrigerating chamber at an upper section and with a freezing chamber at a lower section, an ice making tray disposed in an upper space of an ice making chamber defined in the refrigerating chamber, a first storage container disposed in a lower space of the ice making chamber to store ice falling down from the ice making tray, and a second storage container disposed in a freezing chamber to store ice transferred from the ice making tray. The main body includes a guide channel to guide, when the first storage container reaches an ice-full state, ice falling from the ice making tray to the second storage container in the freezing chamber. The size of the ice making chamber is greatly reduced while a sufficient amount of the ice may be stored, thus securing a larger available space in the refrigerating chamber.