Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Flap Retention Without Magnet Humming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice dispensers in refrigerators often produce unpleasant humming noises due to continuous electrical power supply to electromagnets, which also lead to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An ice dispenser with a pulse-controlled actuating magnet arrangement and mechanical retention means that allows the flap unit to be retained in both release and locking positions without continuous power, reducing noise and power consumption. The mechanical retention means, such as resilient bias arrangements or bistable spring arrangements, support the flap unit's movement and stability, enabling power supply removal before reaching the other position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electromagnet is continuously supplied with electrical power to retain the flap unit in the open position, then the flap unit remains stable in the release position, but humming noises are generated and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet is supplied with electrical power only in periodic pulses to actuate the flap unit between positions, rather than continuous power supply. This pulse-controlled operation eliminates continuous humming noises while maintaining functional reliability through the complementary mechanical retention means.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of retaining the flap unit in positions is extracted from the electromagnet and assigned to separate mechanical retention means (retention finger and guide track member). This allows the electromagnet to be deactivated completely when not actuating, removing the source of humming noises while preserving the stability function through mechanical means.
2Reliability
If the electromagnet is continuously supplied with electrical power to retain the flap unit, then the flap unit remains stable in position, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet operates with periodic pulse power supply only during actuation events, rather than continuous power supply. This dramatically reduces power consumption while the mechanical retention means maintains stability during the intervals between pulses when the electromagnet is deactivated.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is extracted from the electromagnet and implemented by passive mechanical retention means that require no electrical power. The electromagnet is used only temporarily for position transitions, after which the mechanical means maintain stability without energy consumption.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical retention means are added to enable pulse-controlled operation, then noise and power consumption are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A retention finger acts as an intermediary mechanical element that interfaces with the guide track member to provide retention. This simple intermediary component enables the pulse-controlled operation and noise reduction without requiring complex retention mechanisms, bridging the gap between the electromagnet and the flap unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is segmented into separate, simple components (retention finger and guide track member) rather than using a complex integrated retention system. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific simple function, reducing overall complexity while achieving the desired noise and power reduction.
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
Significantly reduces humming noises and power consumption by minimizing continuous electrical power usage, ensuring stable retention of the flap unit in both positions and supporting its movement, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the ice dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse-controlled actuating magnet arrangement for actuating the flap unit
Implementation Method 2
The retention means can even support the movement of the flap unit at least from a specific point of its movement path
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ice dispenser (10) for a refrigerator that includes a flap unit (24) which is arranged in an ice dispenser shaft and which can be adjusted between a release position which releases the ice dispenser shaft for dispensing ice and a locking position which blocks the ice dispenser shaft against dispensing ice, a pulse-controlled actuating magnet arrangement (58) for actuating the flap unit (24), and mechanical retention means (36, 64, 66) which releasably retain the flap unit (24) in the release position and in the locking position thereof, respectively.