Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Flapper Door for Controlled Ice Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic refrigerators with ice dispensers often face issues with ice flow control, leading to ice wedging and ambient air entry, which affects the refrigeration efficiency and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The ice dispenser incorporates a flapper door mechanism with a rotary damper and linkage system, allowing controlled ice flow by pivoting the flapper door between open and closed positions, ensuring ice advances only when needed and preventing ambient air entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple ice dispenser mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ice flow control becomes poor leading to ice wedging and ambient air entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a flapper door that can pivot between open and closed positions, and a rotary damper that provides variable resistance to ice flow. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt ice flow control to different conditions, preventing both ice wedging and ambient air entry while maintaining reasonable device complexity through the use of simple mechanical components.
2Productivity
If ice flow is unrestricted, then ice dispensing speed increases, but ice wedging occurs and refrigeration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a rotary damper that can adjust the resistance parameter to ice flow. By varying the damper's resistance, the system can control ice flow rate to optimize dispensing speed while preventing ice wedging that would compromise refrigeration efficiency. This allows dynamic adjustment of flow parameters to maintain both productivity and reliability.
3Speed
If the flapper door closes quickly, then ice flow is stopped rapidly, but ambient air may enter the compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a rotary damper that provides gradual resistance during flapper door closure. This cushioning effect slows the door's closing speed, preventing sudden closure that would create pressure differentials and allow ambient air to enter the refrigerated compartment. The damper ensures smooth, controlled closure that maintains seal integrity while still stopping ice flow effectively.
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
This solution effectively manages ice flow, preventing ice wedging and ambient air entry, thus maintaining refrigeration efficiency and enhancing user convenience by ensuring controlled ice dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
the rotary damper is configured to resist the movement of the flapper door from the open position to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
the first torsional spring may be configured to urge the lever to move from the second lever position to the first lever position
Implementation Method 3
a second torsional spring configured to bias the flapper door in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position.