Ice Storage Bin Rotary Blades for Auger-Free Ice Dispensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators with augers for ice dispensing are prone to breakage, increase manufacturing complexity, and require large motors, leading to higher costs and a larger ice storage bin width.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator design featuring an ice storage bin with a guide slope and rotary blades that use gravity and rotation to dispense ice as either whole or crushed ice, eliminating the need for an auger and simplifying the storage bin structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an auger is used to convey ice from the ice storage bin to the dispenser, then ice can be transferred to the dispenser, but the auger is subject to breakage and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice transfer capabilityVSAvoidauger breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the auger component entirely from the ice dispensing system. Instead of using a mechanical auger to convey ice, the invention uses gravity-fed ice cubes that drop directly from the storage bin to the dispenser through a simplified chute mechanism, eliminating the unreliable rotating screw component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical auger system with a gravity-based passive dispensing mechanism. Ice cubes are stored in a bin and dispensed using gravitational force through a controlled opening, substituting the active mechanical rotation and conveyance system with a simpler passive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If an auger is used to convey ice, then ice transfer is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice transfer capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the auger component entirely from the ice dispensing system. Instead of using a mechanical auger to convey ice, the invention uses gravity-fed ice cubes that drop directly from the storage bin to the dispenser through a simplified chute mechanism, eliminating the unreliable rotating screw component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as plastic ice cubes and a basic chute structure instead of complex mechanical augers. The design prioritizes using simple, easily manufactured parts over durable but complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If a large motor is used to drive the auger and ice crusher, then ice dispensing function is achieved, but refrigerator cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice dispensing functionVSAvoidmotor size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical auger system with a gravity-based passive dispensing mechanism. Ice cubes are stored in a bin and dispensed using gravitational force through a controlled opening, substituting the active mechanical rotation and conveyance system with a simpler passive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ice dispensing system uses gravity to automatically convey ice cubes from the storage bin to the dispenser without requiring external mechanical power. The system serves itself by utilizing the natural gravitational force acting on the ice cubes, eliminating the need for motors and mechanical drive systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Length of stationary object

If distance between ice storage bin and dispenser is reduced, then slim refrigerator profile is achieved, but ice dispensing efficiency may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice storage bin widthVSAvoidice dispensing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the ice storage bin and dispenser alignment to optimize gravitational flow. The chute or dispensing path is positioned to allow ice cubes to naturally slide or drop efficiently over the minimal required distance, ensuring that the reduced width does not compromise dispensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 design reduces the distance ice needs to travel, allows for a slim refrigerator profile, and simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the auger and large motor requirements, while maintaining efficient ice dispensing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A guide slope is provided in the ice storage bin to guide ice stored in the ice storage bin such that the ice moves toward a plurality of rotary blades by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8322158B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A refrigerator includes an ice storage bin, an opening provided in the ice storage bin through which ice is discharged, and a plurality of blades provided in the ice storage bin, such that the plurality of blades can rotate in a forward direction or in a reverse direction, to selectively discharge ice through the opening as whole ice or crushed ice, where gravity and the plurality of blades are the only forces exerted on the ice collected in the ice storage bin.