Ice Dispenser Auger and Agitator Control for Clump-Free Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliable automated dispensing of extruded ice from storage bins is challenging due to clumping, which clogs dispense mechanisms, and existing solutions have not effectively addressed this issue.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ice and beverage dispenser with decoupled agitation and dispensing mechanisms, using a horizontal auger to push ice through an opening and an agitator controlled by software to reduce clumping, allowing for consistent dispensing and adjustable parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity is used to force ice through an opening after agitation, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but extruded ice clumps in pieces larger than the opening causing clogs
Solution Approach 1:
The ice dispensing process is segmented into two independent functions: agitation (breaking up ice) and dispensing (pushing ice through opening). The agitation function uses a separate agitator mechanism that operates independently from the dispensing auger, allowing ice to be broken into smaller pieces before being pushed through the opening, preventing clumps larger than the opening from forming.
Solution Approach 2:
The auger serves as an intermediary mechanism between the ice bin and the dispensing opening. Instead of relying solely on gravity, the auger actively pushes and conveys the agitated ice through the opening, ensuring that even broken-up ice pieces are reliably transported without forming clogs.
2Device complexity
If agitation and dispensing are combined in a single mechanism, then the device structure is simplified, but ice clumping increases reducing dispensing consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ice handling function into two separate mechanisms: an agitator for breaking up ice clumps and an auger for consistent dispensing. The agitator rotates to break apart extruded ice, while the auger separately and consistently pushes the broken ice through the opening, ensuring uniform dispensing without clumping issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator performs preliminary action by breaking up ice clumps before the dispensing process begins. This pre-agitation ensures that when the auger starts dispensing, the ice is already in a consistent, non-clumped state, improving dispensing precision and reliability.
3Reliability
If the agitator operates continuously to prevent clumping, then ice flow is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when needed to break up ice clumps or when the auger encounters resistance. This intermittent operation maintains reliable ice flow while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous agitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the agitator operation is monitored and adjusted based on actual ice flow conditions. When ice flows smoothly, the agitator remains inactive; when clumping is detected or during dispensing cycles, the agitator activates to maintain proper ice flow, optimizing energy usage based on real-time needs.
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
The solution ensures consistent and efficient dispensing of ice by preventing clumping and allowing for independent control of agitation and dispensing, improving the handling of extruded ice and beverage products.
Implementation Method 1
the ice dispenser uses the force created by the auger to push the ice through an opening and out of the bin
Implementation Method 2
The agitation is achieved with an agitator, preferably with the axis mounted horizontally
Data Source
AI summary
An automated ice dispenser (30) decouples the action of agitating ice stored in an ice bin (69) and the action of dispensing the ice and, additionally, uses a controlled action to dispense the ice. Agitation is achieved with a horizontally mounted agitator (91). Ice is dispensed with a horizontally mounted auger (124). The ice dispenser (30) uses the force created by the auger (124) to push the ice through an opening (71) and out of the bin (69), making the dispensing more consistent and providing the ability to overcome clumping. By making the agitation action independent of the dispensing action, the incidence of clumping is reduced. Agitation is controlled by software, whereunder the agitator (91) turns on based on the cumulative run time of the auger (124). Auger run time and agitation time (as well as other configurable parameters) are adjustable by DIP switches (134) on a control board (133).