Ice Bin Gear Assembly with Non-Parallel Drive Axis for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice bin assemblies in refrigerator appliances face difficulties such as visibility of ice, cumbersome removal of the ice bin, and challenges with the rotating agitator or sweep, particularly due to ice melting and refreezing, which complicates the removal and operation of the ice bin and its components.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a bin body with a storage volume, an ice sweep positioned below, and a drive gear system with a sweep gear that is rotatable about a non-parallel axis, allowing for easier access and removal of the ice bin while maintaining the functionality of the ice sweep and agitator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motor and agitator connection are provided within the ice bin, then ice dispensing functionality is improved, but ease of removal and access to the ice bin deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into two separate gears: a sweep gear attached to the ice sweep and a drive gear attached to the motor shaft. These gears engage through the bin wall without requiring the motor to be inside the bin, allowing the ice bin to be easily removed while maintaining functional connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive gear acts as an intermediary component that transfers rotational motion from the motor (outside the bin) to the sweep gear (inside the bin) through mechanical engagement through the bin wall, enabling functionality without compromising ease of removal.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the top opening of the ice bin is kept small, then the sweep or agitator can be supported at the top portion, but visibility and access to ice within the bin deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive gear extends through the bin wall in a direction perpendicular to the bin's top opening, allowing the motor to be positioned outside the bin while still providing rotational drive to the sweep. This spatial reconfiguration maintains structural support while improving visibility and access.
3Reliability
If ice melts and refreezes within the ice bin, then ice storage functionality is maintained, but removal and rotation of the sweep or agitator becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the ice bin interior and positioned outside the bin. The drive gear protrudes through the bin wall to engage the sweep gear, allowing the sweep to be easily removed or rotated without dealing with frozen ice, while the motor remains stationary and unaffected by temperature changes inside the bin.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance and ice bin assembly therefor are provided herein. The ice bin may include a bin body, an ice sweep, a sweep gear, and a drive gear. The bin body may define a storage volume to receive ice therein. The ice sweep may be positioned below the storage volume. The sweep gear may be rotatable about a sweep axis. The drive gear may be positioned in mechanical communication with the sweep gear. The drive gear may be rotatable about a drive axis, the drive axis extending along a non-parallel angle relative to the sweep axis.