Refrigerator and apparatus for ice discharging therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice discharging devices in refrigerators do not consistently discharge a fixed amount of ice, leading to operational failures and malfunctions due to uneven ice distribution and excessive load on the discharge mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotation member and discharge adjustment part that ensures a predetermined amount of ice is transferred and discharged, utilizing a rotation shaft, wing portions, and a flexible adjustment mechanism to control the ice discharge, along with an ice processing unit for crushing or cubing, to maintain consistent ice dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional transfer member with spiral wings is used to transfer ice, then ice can be discharged in cube or crushed shapes, but the amount of discharged ice is not regular and excessive load may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer member is divided into multiple independent ice holding spaces (first, second, third holding spaces) instead of a continuous spiral structure. Each holding space can independently hold and transfer a specific amount of ice, ensuring regular discharge quantities and preventing excessive load on the discharge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transfer member have different functions: the first holding space holds ice for direct discharge, the second holding space holds ice for crushing, and the third holding space receives ice from the icemaker. This localized functional differentiation ensures consistent ice transfer amounts for each discharge mode.
2Productivity
If ice is transferred without precise amount control, then discharge speed is fast, but uneven ice distribution causes operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer member pre-positions ice in specific holding spaces before discharge occurs. The first holding space is prepared with ice for immediate discharge, and the second holding space is prepared with ice for crushing, ensuring that the correct amount of ice is ready for each discharge mode without requiring complex real-time control during the discharge process.
3Quantity of substance
If the transfer member holds large amount of ice, then discharge capacity is high, but the ice discharge mechanism may malfunction due to excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer member is segmented into multiple discrete holding spaces that collectively hold ice but transfer it in controlled, manageable portions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a sufficient ice supply (high quantity) while transferring ice in regular, controlled amounts that prevent excessive load on the discharge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer member holds more ice than needed for a single discharge (excessive action) by maintaining multiple holding spaces, but only transfers a partial, controlled amount during each discharge cycle. This ensures the ice supply is sufficient while the actual transfer amount remains within safe operational limits for the discharge mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator and a device for ice discharging are disclosed. The device for ice discharging includes a case having an ice introduction opening and an ice discharge opening (312); a rotation member (320) rotatable in the case to transfer ice that is held in a predetermined amount to be discharged; and a discharge adjustment part (340) spaced apart a predetermined space from the rotation member (320) to adjust the number of the ices transferred by the rotation member, such that a fixed amount of the ice is substantially discharged. The refrigerator includes the device for ice discharging therein.