Ice Bin Full Detection Arm Layout to Prevent Jamming Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ice making apparatuses face issues such as damage to the ice full detecting arm, increased installation space requirements, and aesthetic concerns due to the arm's exposure and necessary rotation space, as well as potential damage when the ice bank is inserted or removed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a cam assembly and first and second ice full detecting members to determine if the ice bank is fully filled and if the detecting arm is caught, using a torsion spring to prevent damage and reducing the arm's radius of rotation, allowing it to be disposed under the ice making tray, minimizing installation space and avoiding exposure.
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 full state, then the detection function is achieved, but the arm may be damaged by being caught on the ice bank and the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ice full detecting arm is moved from a horizontal position in front of the ice making tray to a vertical position above the ice bank. This dimensional change allows the arm to detect ice full state by rotating downward while avoiding contact with the ice bank, eliminating the damage risk while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam assembly is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the ejector and the ice full detecting arm. The cam assembly converts the ejector's rotational motion into controlled rotation of the detecting arm, ensuring the arm rotates to the correct position without being caught on the ice bank, thus preventing damage.
2Reliability
If the ice full detecting arm is disposed in front of the ice making tray, then the detection function is achieved, but the installation space of the ice making apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting arm is repositioned from a horizontal extension in front of the ice making tray to a vertical arrangement above the ice bank. This vertical arrangement utilizes the existing space above the ice bank, eliminating the need for additional horizontal installation space while maintaining the detection function.
3Reliability
If the ice full detecting arm is disposed to be exposed to external side, then the detection function is achieved, but the aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice full detecting arm and cam assembly are nested within the housing structure of the ice making apparatus. The detecting arm is positioned inside the housing above the ice bank, and the cam assembly is integrated into the driving unit, concealing these functional components from external view while maintaining their detection functionality.
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 prevents damage to the ice full detecting unit, reduces the installation space, and maintains the apparatus's aesthetic appeal by ensuring the arm is not caught on the ice bank during operation and storage, while accurately determining the ice full state.
Implementation Method 1
a cam assembly cooperatively coupled to the ejector; an ice full detecting arm that is rotated by the cam assembly
Implementation Method 2
using a torsion spring to prevent damage and reducing the arm's radius of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An ice making apparatus (20) is provided. When an ice full detecting arm (140) 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 (140) does not rotate when it is caught by the ice of the ice bank, the damage of the ice full detecting arm (140) can be prevented.