Ice Bin Assembly with Removable Bin and Gear-Driven Sweep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice bin assemblies in refrigerator appliances are difficult to access and remove due to the presence of rotating agitators or sweeps, which can be cumbersome, especially when ice melts and refreezes, and the design often restricts user access for ice bin removal.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a removable ice bin with a gear assembly for rotating the ice sweep, a retractable handle for easy access, and a resilient catch for secure attachment, as well as an optional light source for illuminating the ice storage volume, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating agitator or sweep is provided within the ice bin to move ice, then ice can be moved from the bin to the dispenser, but it becomes difficult to remove or manage the agitator especially when ice melts and refreezes
Solution Approach 1:
The ice bin assembly is divided into separable components: the bin body can be removed independently from the agitator assembly. The agitator is mounted on a separate motor assembly that remains attached to the refrigerator, allowing users to remove the bin without dealing with the rotating agitator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator mechanism is extracted from the removable bin portion and placed in a fixed assembly that remains with the refrigerator. This extraction allows the bin to be removed and cleaned without the complicating factor of a rotating agitator attached to it.
2Ease of operation
If the top opening of the ice bin is kept small to support the sweep or agitator, then the agitator can be properly positioned, but user access to the ice bin is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into two functional zones: a large top opening for user access and ice filling, and a separate smaller dispensing opening lower down. This segmentation allows the top opening to be large for accessibility while the agitator is supported at the smaller dispensing opening location.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on the top opening size to support the agitator, the design uses a lower dispensing opening with a support structure that extends upward. This dimensional redistribution allows the top opening to be larger for better user access while maintaining agitator support functionality.
3Productivity
If a motor is provided to drive the sweep or agitator, then the sweep can be rotated to move ice, but it becomes difficult to arrange the motor and agitator connection without further restricting access to the ice bin
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the removable bin assembly and placed in a fixed motor assembly that remains attached to the refrigerator. The motor connects to the agitator through a coupling mechanism that allows the bin to be removed without disconnecting the motor, maintaining ice dispensing efficiency while improving user access.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism or adapter serves as an intermediary between the fixed motor and the removable agitator. This intermediary allows the motor to drive the agitator when the bin is installed, while permitting easy removal of the bin without requiring disconnection of the motor itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance and ice bin assembly therefor are provided herein. The ice bin assembly or ice bin may be removably received within the chilled chamber. The ice bin may include a bin body, an ice sweep, and a gear assembly. The bin body may define a storage volume to receive ice therein. The ice sweep may be positioned within the ice bin. The gear assembly may be positioned within the ice bin below the ice sweep in mechanical communication with the ice sweep to motivate rotation of the ice sweep.