Ice Dispenser Chute and Sensor Design for Automated Refill Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice dispensers require frequent manual checks for ice levels, leading to inefficiencies, increased risk of injury, and wear and tear, as operators must manually refill ice and navigate a crowded interface to access the holding bin, which can result in delays and dissatisfaction due to uneven ice distribution and potential shortages.
Innovation Solution
An ice dispenser with a chute that angles ice into the bin, allowing for easier refilling, combined with ultrasonic or radar sensors to monitor ice levels and trigger notifications when refilling is needed, and a hinged lid design that simplifies access while minimizing the need for operators to reach far into the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual ice refilling is performed frequently, then ice supply is maintained, but operator effort and risk of injury increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ice dispenser system performs self-monitoring of ice levels through sensors and automatic notification to staff, eliminating the need for frequent manual checks by operators. The system serves itself by detecting when ice is low and alerting personnel, rather than requiring continuous human monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system detects ice level depletion before complete exhaustion occurs, allowing timely refilling action. The notification system alerts staff in advance, enabling proactive refilling rather than reactive response to empty bins.
2Reliability
If operators manually check ice levels frequently, then ice shortages are prevented, but wear and tear on the dispenser increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors that automatically detect ice levels without human intervention. This eliminates the mechanical wear caused by frequent manual opening and closing of access panels while maintaining reliable ice supply monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously monitors ice levels and provides feedback to the notification system, which alerts staff when refilling is needed. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable ice supply monitoring without physical contact with internal components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the chute extends beyond the holding bin, then ice distribution is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed with specific local geometric features including extensions beyond the holding bin and angled configurations (20-60 degrees) to optimize ice flow and distribution patterns in critical areas, ensuring consistent ice delivery to the dispensing mechanism.
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
Automates ice level monitoring and refilling notifications, reduces operator effort and risk, ensures consistent ice distribution on the cold plate for efficient cooling, and maintains ice supply without frequent manual checks, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A chute is configured to guide the ice from outside the holding bin into the holding bin, wherein the chute has an upper end and an opposite lower end, and wherein the upper end of the chute extends longitudinally farther than the first side of the holding bin from the second side of the holding bin
Implementation Method 2
The cold plate is provided in thermal contact with one or more lines containing a beverage (e.g., a carbonated water line). The cold plate is situated within the holding bin such that the ice within the holding bin cools the cold plate, which in turn cools the beverage within the lines.
Implementation Method 3
combined with ultrasonic or radar sensors to monitor ice levels
Implementation Method 4
combined with ultrasonic or radar sensors to monitor ice levels
Data Source
AI summary
An ice dispenser for storing and dispensing ice. The ice dispenser includes a holding bin that extends longitudinally between a first side and a second side, transversely between a third side and a fourth side, and vertically between a top to a bottom. A chute is configured to guide the ice from outside the holding bin into the holding bin. The chute has an upper end and an opposite lower end. The upper end of the chute extends longitudinally farther than the first side of the holding bin from the second side of the holding bin. A spout is operatively coupled to the holding bin for dispensing ice from the holding bin.