Ice Bin Auger Reverse Rotation to Maximize Ice Storage Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice makers often fail to fill the ice bin to full capacity due to ice accumulation, which triggers level sensors and leads to premature cessation of ice production and inefficient use of storage space.
Innovation Solution
An ice making appliance with an auger system that rotates in both advancing and reverse directions within the ice bin to distribute ice evenly, ensuring the bin remains filled by periodically redistributing ice towards the rear end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ice is deposited in one location of the ice bin and drawn out through another, then ice dispensing function is provided, but ice accumulates in one region triggering level sensors and preventing further ice production
Solution Approach 1:
The auger periodically reverses direction to redistribute ice in the bin. This periodic action prevents ice from accumulating in one location and triggering the level sensor prematurely, while still providing continuous ice dispensing capability. The reverse rotation redistributes ice toward the rear of the bin, maintaining sensor accuracy and enabling full bin capacity utilization.
2Productivity
If ice accumulates in one region of the ice bin, then ice dispensing is enabled, but the ice bin capacity is not fully utilized resulting in wasted storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The auger periodically reverses direction to redistribute ice throughout the bin, ensuring uniform ice distribution and maximizing the utilization of the entire bin volume. This prevents premature saturation of the level sensor and enables the bin to reach its full storage capacity while maintaining continuous dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The auger periodically rotates in reverse direction, which is opposite to the normal dispensing direction. This reverse rotation redistributes ice that has accumulated near the dispensing outlet back toward the rear of the bin, ensuring even distribution and maximizing storage capacity utilization.
3Speed
If the auger continuously urges ice toward the dispensing chute, then ice dispensing is maintained, but ice accumulates at the rear end triggering level sensors prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The auger alternates between forward rotation for dispensing and reverse rotation for redistribution. This periodic action maintains efficient ice dispensing while periodically preventing ice accumulation at the rear, thereby avoiding premature cessation of ice production and reducing loss of production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The auger performs preliminary redistribution of ice before the level sensor is triggered. By periodically reversing to redistribute ice toward the rear, the system prevents the condition that would lead to premature sensor activation, ensuring continuous ice production without unnecessary interruptions.
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 solution maintains a consistent ice level, prevents premature triggering of level sensors, and maximizes ice storage capacity by ensuring even distribution and utilization of space within the ice bin.
Implementation Method 1
an auger rotatably mounted within the bottom trough of the ice bin, a motor assembly mechanically coupled to the auger for selectively rotating the auger
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making appliance includes an ice maker for producing ice, an ice bin defining a bottom trough that extends between a rear end and a dispensing chute, wherein the ice is supplied at the rear end and is collected in the ice bin, an auger rotatably mounted within the bottom trough of the ice bin, and a motor assembly mechanically coupled to the auger for selectively rotating the auger. A controller is configured to rotate the auger in an advancing direction to urge the ice toward the dispensing chute and periodically rotate the auger in a reverse direction to redistribute the ice proximate the rear end of the ice bin.