Ice Bin Latch Assembly to Prevent Auger-Induced Dislodgement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face issues with ice bins being inadvertently dislodged due to the force and vibration from the auger during ice dispensing, leading to potential frost buildup and temperature fluctuations in the storage compartment.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with angled mating elements, including a tang and receiver, is used to secure the ice bin to the ice maker housing, applying a resisting force opposite to the dispensing direction to counteract the dispensing force and vibration, allowing for controlled removal of the ice bin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the auger applies driving force to dispense ice pieces from the ice bin, then ice dispensing functionality is achieved, but the ice bin may be inadvertently dislodged due to the force and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly applies a resisting force in advance to counteract the driving force and vibration generated by the auger during ice dispensing. The angled mating elements are pre-configured to engage and provide opposition to the forces that would otherwise dislodge the ice bin, preventing the problem before it occurs.
2Reliability
If the latch assembly applies resisting force to secure the ice bin, then ice bin retention stability is improved, but the ice bin removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic system where the angled mating elements can slide relative to each other. During normal operation, the latch provides strong retention. During removal, when force is applied to the ice bin, the angled surfaces allow the latch to disengage dynamically, enabling easy removal despite the strong retaining force during operation.
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
Prevents unintended ice bin dislodgement, maintaining compartment temperature stability and reducing frost buildup, thus ensuring consistent refrigeration performance.
Implementation Method 1
A latching assembly is provided at least partially at each of the removeable ice bin and the ice maker housing and is configured to apply a resisting force to the ice bin at least along a second direction opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker for freezing water into ice pieces. The ice maker (125) includes an ice maker housing (126), an ice making unit (156) for making the ice pieces, a removeable ice bin (135) receiving the ice pieces, and an ice dispenser having a rotatable auger (170) that drives the ice pieces out of the removable ice bin to a bin aperture (168) at the ice bin via a driving force applied in a first direction. A latching assembly is provided at least partially at each of the removeable ice bin and the ice maker housing, and is configured to apply a resisting force to the ice bin at least along a second direction opposite the first direction. The removable ice bin is selectively removable from the ice maker housing by the user applying a removal force greater than the driving force to the ice bin in the first direction.