Ice Bucket Coupler Design for Interference-Free Mounting and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling mechanism between the first coupler and the second coupler in ice bucket transfer systems often fails to connect smoothly due to interference caused by their rotational positions, making it difficult for users to mount and remove the ice bucket without manual adjustment and potential interference.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first coupler with an insertion portion and a first inclined portion that guides insertion into a second coupler with a seating portion and a second inclined portion, along with engaging peaks and valleys, allowing for easy alignment and connection regardless of initial rotational positions, facilitated by a guide member for mounting assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a first coupler on the ice bucket side and a second coupler on the motor side are pushed together, then the ice bucket can be coupled to the motor, but the first and the second coupler may not be coupled to each other due to an interference between the first and the second coupler based on a rotational position of the first and the second coupler
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first coupler and the second coupler. The guide member includes a guide groove that receives the protrusion from the first coupler and guides it along a predetermined path to the second coupler, ensuring proper alignment and preventing interference regardless of initial rotational positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member performs preliminary alignment action before the actual coupling occurs. By providing a guide groove that pre-defines the insertion path and rotational orientation, the system ensures that the couplers are properly positioned before engagement, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments.
2Reliability
If the first coupler and second coupler require precise alignment for coupling, then reliable connection is achieved, but users cannot easily remove the ice bucket from the refrigerator without opening a storage compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The guide member allows for rotational movement and self-alignment during coupling, and the separable nature of the couplers enables easy detachment. This dynamic design maintains reliable connection when coupled while allowing effortless removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separable components - the first coupler attached to the ice bucket and the second coupler attached to the motor, connected through the guide member. This segmentation allows the ice bucket to be easily detached by simply separating the couplers, eliminating the need to open storage compartments for removal.
3Ease of operation
If the coupler design allows for rotational misalignment, then ease of mounting is improved, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a simple intermediary that provides the guiding function without adding significant complexity. The guide groove is a straightforward structural feature that naturally guides the protrusion along the correct path, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms while maintaining ease of mounting.
Data Source
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.