Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Lever Return Independent of Damper Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator dispensers have interdependent return speeds for the opening/closing member and lever member, leading to delayed return of the push lever when released, which can be misinterpreted as a defective mechanism by users.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design where the return speeds of the opening/closing member and lever member are independent, utilizing a lever return member, such as a torsion coil spring, to provide a separate return force for the lever member, allowing it to return to its initial position independently of the closing speed of the opening/closing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the damper simultaneously controls the return speeds of both the closing plate and the push lever, then the closing plate returns slowly allowing sufficient time for ice discharge, but the push lever return time is delayed causing user dissatisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The return control mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: a damper for the closing plate and a separate return spring for the push lever. This allows each component to have its own return speed characteristics, resolving the contradiction between slow closing plate return (for ice discharge) and fast push lever return (for user satisfaction).
Solution Approach 2:
The push lever return function is extracted from the common damper control and assigned to a dedicated return spring mechanism. This separation enables the push lever to return quickly independent of the closing plate's slow return, eliminating the delay that caused user dissatisfaction.
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
Ensures the lever member returns quickly to its initial position upon release, enhancing user satisfaction by preventing misinterpretation of the mechanism as defective and allowing for efficient operation of the ice dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
a lever return member (50) connected between the dispenser casing (31) and the lever member (40), wherein the lever return member (50) returns the lever member (40) independent of a closing speed of an opening/closing member (32)... the lever return member comprises an elastic member providing a return force to the lever member
Implementation Method 2
a damper member (47) operated by the opening/closing member (32) for controlling the closing speed of the opening/closing member (32) when the opening/closing member (32) rotates toward a close position
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including a dispenser casing on which an ice discharge opening is formed and an opening/closing member placed in the dispenser casing for opening/closing the ice discharge opening. The dispenser also includes a lever member connected with the opening/closing member for making the opening/closing member rotate toward an open position; a damper member operated by the opening/closing member for controlling the closing speed of the opening/closing member when the opening/closing member rotates toward a close position; and a lever return member disposed between the dispenser casing and the lever member, the lever return member returning the lever member to an initial position independent of the closing speed of the opening/closing member. Thus, the return speeds of the opening/closing member and the lever member operate independent of each other.