Ice Bucket Locking Structure to Prevent Cool Air Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator ice bucket locking mechanisms are complex and may allow cool air leakage, complicating the structure and functionality of the ice bucket.
Innovation Solution
A simplified locking device with a movement member, elastic member, and housing case that uses a latch protrusion and push unit to lock and unlock the ice bucket, preventing cool air leakage by eliminating the need for a lever unit that penetrates the bucket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is provided in the ice bucket, then the ice bucket can be locked while drawn into the ice-making chamber, but the ice bucket structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into two separate parts: a locking protrusion integrated into the ice-making chamber case and a separate locking member integrated into the ice bucket. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple structure while achieving reliable locking through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion is merged with the ice-making chamber case structure, and the locking member is merged with the ice bucket structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, simplifying both the ice bucket and ice-making chamber structures while maintaining locking functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a lever unit penetrates the ice bucket to operate the locking device, then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but cool air leakage occurs and structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lever unit that caused cooling loss is completely removed from the design. Instead, a push unit is provided on the exterior of the ice bucket that actuates the locking member through an internal pushing action, eliminating the need for penetrating levers and preventing cool air leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The push unit serves as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the user's pushing force to the locking member through the ice bucket wall without requiring a penetrating lever. This intermediary approach maintains ease of operation while preventing direct penetration that would cause cooling loss.
3Reliability
If the locking device is provided in the ice bucket, then locking functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into two independently manufacturable components: the locking protrusion can be molded or fabricated as part of the ice-making chamber case, and the locking member can be molded as part of the ice bucket. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing compared to integrating a complex locking mechanism into the ice bucket itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion and locking member are designed as simple, universal components that can be manufactured using standard molding or fabrication processes. Their simple geometries make them compatible with existing manufacturing capabilities, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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
The solution provides a secure and efficient locking mechanism that simplifies the ice bucket structure, prevents cool air leakage, and enhances user convenience by allowing easy sliding of the ice bucket in and out of the ice-making chamber.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to elastically bias the movement member in a direction in which the latched portion is interfered with by the latch protrusion
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator includes an ice-making chamber, an ice bucket that can be slidably drawn into and out of the ice-making chamber, and a locking device that can lock the ice bucket, and the locking device may be provided in an upper wall of an inner case. Only a latch protrusion that protrudes upwardly is formed in the ice bucket so as to be coupled to the locking device, and therefore a structure of the ice bucket may be simplified, and an unnecessary opening may not be formed in the ice bucket, thereby preventing cool air of an inside of the ice bucket from leaking.