Ice Storage Bin Separator for Clumped Ice Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Clumped ice pieces from the ice maker can hinder the operation of rotary blades in the ice storage bin, as they are designed to handle individual ice pieces, leading to inefficiencies in ice dispensing.
Innovation Solution
An ice separating device is integrated into the ice storage bin, positioned between the ice maker and the rotary blades, which separates clumped ice into individual pieces using bars or blades, ensuring smooth operation of the ice discharge mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If clumped pieces of ice are discharged from the ice maker, then the ice storage bin receives ice, but the rotary blades cannot operate properly due to interference from clumped ice
Solution Approach 1:
The ice separating device performs separation action before the ice reaches the rotary blades. The device includes separating bars or blades positioned in the ice storage bin to break apart clumped ice pieces as they fall from the ice maker, ensuring individual ice pieces reach the rotary blades for proper operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ice separating device acts as an intermediary between the ice maker and the rotary blades. It includes separating elements that intercept clumped ice pieces and divide them into individual pieces, mediating the transition from clumped to separated ice before the rotary blades process the ice
2Quantity of substance
If clumped pieces of ice occur during storage in the ice storage bin, then ice is stored, but the ice discharge member cannot crush or discharge ice effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The ice separating device continuously separates ice pieces as they are stored in the ice storage bin, breaking apart clumps before they can form. This preliminary separation action ensures that when ice is later discharged, the rotary blades receive individual pieces rather than clumped ice, maintaining high dispensing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The ice separating device operates continuously as ice falls into the storage bin, maintaining constant separation action. This continuous operation ensures that ice pieces remain separated throughout storage, preventing clump formation and ensuring consistent ice dispensing efficiency over time
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes an ice maker to make pieces of ice and an ice storage bin to receive the pieces of ice made by the ice maker. A plurality of blades is rotatably disposed at a bottom portion of the ice storage bin and an ice separating device to separate clumped pieces of ice discharged from the ice maker is disposed in the ice storage bin between the ice maker and the plurality of blades, where the ice separating device is disposed on at least a rear wall, a front wall, or a side wall of the ice storage bin.