Ice Full Detecting Arm Layout to Prevent Ice Bin Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ice making apparatuses face issues with the ice full detecting arm getting damaged due to being caught on ice cubes when the ice bank is filled or removed, requiring a significant installation space and detracting from the aesthetic appearance due to its exposed position.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a cam assembly and first and second ice full detecting members to detect the ice bank's fullness and the arm's position, utilizing a torsion spring to prevent damage when caught on ice cubes and reducing the radius of rotation to minimize installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ice full detecting arm is disposed in front of the ice making tray to detect ice bank fullness, then the detection function is achieved, but the arm may be damaged by being caught on the ice bank when the user takes in and out the ice bank
Solution Approach 1:
The ice full detecting arm is extracted from its conventional position in front of the ice making tray and relocated to the rear side. This spatial extraction eliminates the harmful interaction with the ice bank during user operations, preventing damage while preserving the detection function through alternative positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam assembly is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the ice full detecting arm and the ice making tray. The cam assembly converts the arm's rotational motion into detectable positional changes, enabling the arm to remain in a protected position while still achieving detection functionality through the cam's mechanical mediation.
2Reliability
If the ice full detecting arm is disposed in front of the ice making tray, then the detection function is achieved, but a sufficient space in which the arm fully rotates is required, increasing installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The ice full detecting arm is relocated from the front horizontal space to the rear vertical space. By changing the spatial dimension from front-to-back rotation to rear-side rotation, the arm achieves full detection range without requiring additional front installation space, effectively utilizing the previously underutilized rear space.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice full detecting arm is positioned within the rear space of the ice making apparatus, nesting the detection mechanism into the existing structural volume. This nesting approach allows the arm to rotate and detect ice bank fullness without extending the external dimensions of the apparatus, thereby reducing installation space requirements.
3Reliability
If the ice full detecting arm is disposed to be exposed to an external side, then the detection function is achieved, but this detracts from the beauty of the view
Solution Approach 1:
The ice full detecting arm is extracted from the external front position and relocated to the internal rear position. This extraction removes the visually distracting exposed arm from the user's field of view, improving aesthetic appearance while the arm continues to perform its detection function from its new concealed position.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making apparatus is provided. When an ice full detecting arm is not returned to an initial position by being caught on ice filled in the ice bank, it is determined that the ice bank is fully filled with the ice. Since the ice full detecting arm does not rotate when it is caught by the ice of the ice bank, the damage of the ice full detecting arm can be prevented.