Ice cube dispenser

The patent implements periodic agitation cycles where the agitator shaft rotates in one direction to mix ice cubes, then reverses to break up clumps. This periodic bidirectional rotation prevents ice cubes from sticking together while maintaining bulk storage capacity, ensuring consistent dispensing volume and reducing mechanical stress on the drive system.

The patent modifies the tank geometry by replacing sharp cut-off sides with continuous curved surfaces that slope toward the bottom. This curved geometry enhances ice cube circulation and mixing efficiency by guiding ice cubes along the curved surfaces, while remaining manufacturable using standard forming processes.

The patent uses periodic bidirectional rotation of the agitator shaft, alternating between clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. This periodic action maintains effective mixing speed while the reverse rotation breaks up clumps that would otherwise require higher speeds to disperse, thereby reducing peak mechanical stress on the geared motor and drive system.

The patent implements preliminary action by closing the outlet opening (via gate or trapdoor) before the mixing cycle begins. The outlet remains closed throughout the mixing operation to prevent ice cube loss, and only opens when the mixing cycle completes and dosing cups are positioned correctly, ensuring no ice cubes are lost during agitation.

The patent applies local quality by designing dosing cups with different geometric characteristics at different locations: the front face (intake side) has a larger opening area to facilitate rapid ice cube intake during the dosing stroke, while the rear face (discharge side) has a precisely calibrated geometry that ensures accurate ice cube delivery. This localized differentiation of cup geometry resolves the contradiction between intake rate and dosing precision.