Fixing Wire Spout Assembly for Easy Disassembly in Nugget Ice Makers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spout structures in ice makers face issues with difficulty in assembly and disassembly, susceptibility to corrosion, and hygiene management due to limescale formation, which affects the durability and cleanliness of the spout.
Innovation Solution
A structure that uses a fixing wire with locking portions to secure the spout to a flange, allowing easy assembly and disassembly, and incorporates reinforcing ribs and inclined ice delivery surfaces to facilitate ice transfer and prevent separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the spout is firmly fixed to withstand upward force from ice, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of disassembly for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing wire is designed to be deformable under force, allowing it to transition between a locked state (when ice pushes upward) and an unlocked state (when manual force is applied). This dynamic behavior enables the spout to remain firmly fixed during operation while allowing easy disassembly for cleaning by simply pulling the fixing wire.
2Reliability
If the spout structure is made complex to ensure firm fixing, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the fixing wire with locking portions, the recesses in the spout, and the corresponding protrusions on the flange. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together to achieve reliable fixing without requiring complex integrated structures.
3Ease of operation
If the spout is designed for easy disassembly to facilitate cleaning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the fixing strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing wire utilizes elastic deformation dynamics to provide strong fixing force during normal operation while allowing easy release. When ice accumulates and pushes upward, the wire remains locked due to its deformable nature maintaining contact with the locking portions. For disassembly, applying manual force deforms the wire beyond its elastic limit, releasing the locking portions and enabling easy removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure of fixing a spout facilitating fixing and assembling a spout and a nugget ice maker applying the same are provided. The structure of fixing a spout includes a spout provided between an ice producing unit and an ice storage unit, and delivering ice produced by the ice producing unit to the ice storage unit; a flange provided on a side to which the ice producing unit and the spout are connected, and having locking portions respectively convexly formed on both sides; and a fixing wire having both ends locked by the locking portion and rotating around the locking portion to fix the spout to the flange.