refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling mechanism between the first and second couplers in ice bucket transfer systems often fails to connect smoothly due to positional interference, making it difficult for users to mount and remove the ice bucket without opening the storage compartment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first coupler with radially protruding peak portions and recessed valley portions, and a second coupler with axially protruding peak portions and radially recessed valley portions, allowing for easy alignment and connection by rotating the first coupler into the second coupler, even when their axes are not parallel, facilitated by a guide member that assists in mounting the ice bucket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first coupler and second coupler are pushed together directly, then the coupling operation should be simple, but the couplers may not be coupled due to interference based on rotational position
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is provided in advance to guide the first coupler and second coupler into proper alignment before the actual coupling operation. The guide member includes a guide groove that receives the first coupler and guides it to the correct rotational position relative to the second coupler, ensuring the coupling protrusion and coupling recess align properly before engagement occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary between the first coupler and second coupler during the coupling process. It mediates the alignment and positioning of the two couplers, ensuring that the coupling protrusion of one coupler aligns with the coupling recess of the other coupler before they engage, thereby preventing interference due to misalignment.
2Ease of operation
If the ice bucket is designed to be removable without opening the storage compartment, then user convenience is improved, but the coupling and decoupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the guide member for alignment, the coupling protrusion for engagement, and the coupling recess for reception. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, enabling the ice bucket to be easily removed and reattached without opening the storage compartment while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through modular design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The refrigerator includes an ice maker; an ice bucket; a transfer member configured to transfer ice stored in the ice bucket; a drive motor unit configured to generate a driving force for driving the transfer member; a first coupler connected to the transfer member; and a second coupler separably coupled to the first coupler and coupled to the drive motor unit. The first coupler includes an insertion portion insertable into the second coupler, and a first inclined portion to guide the insertion portion to be inserted into the second coupler. The second coupler includes a seating portion to receive the first coupler, and a second inclined portion to guide the first coupler to the seating portion.