Ice Dispenser Rotatable Drum Assembly to Prevent Clumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice clumping in storage containers within refrigerator ice dispensing systems leads to inefficiencies, space constraints, and wastage, as ice sublimation causes bonding of ice pieces, preventing proper dispensing and reducing storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
An ice dispensing assembly with a rotatable drum and stationary blades that can be controlled to either crush or dispense whole ice, combined with an agitator mechanism to prevent clumping by maintaining ice in a fluidized state, and an ice treatment cycle initiated by a controller to mitigate sublimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If ice is stored in a storage container for extended periods, then ice availability is maintained, but ice sublimation causes clumping that prevents dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic agitator cycles at predetermined time intervals to redistribute ice pieces and prevent clumping. The controller activates the agitator mechanism to rotate the drum and blades, periodically breaking up potential clumps before they prevent dispensing, thus maintaining reliability over extended storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary ice redistribution actions before clumping can occur. By initiating agitator cycles at predetermined intervals, the system proactively prevents ice pieces from bonding together through sublimation, ensuring ice remains dispensable throughout extended storage periods.
2Quantity of substance
If ice is stored in a compact arrangement to maximize space, then storage capacity increases, but ice clumping reduces effective storage volume
Solution Approach 1:
Periodic agitator cycles redistribute ice pieces throughout the storage container, preventing localized clumping that would reduce effective storage volume. By maintaining ice pieces in a dispersed state, the system maximizes the usable storage capacity of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic movement through the rotating drum and blades, continuously redistributing ice pieces to prevent static clumping. This dynamic action ensures ice occupies the maximum possible volume of the storage container without forming space-wasting clumps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an auger and blade mechanism is used to crush and dispense ice, then ice dispensing functionality is provided, but the mechanism consumes valuable freezer space
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable drum serves multiple functions: it acts as both the crushing mechanism (when blades contact ice) and the dispensing mechanism (when ice is pushed through the opening). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auger and blade assemblies, reducing the space required for ice dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the crushing and dispensing functions into a single integrated mechanism. The rotatable drum with blades combines the ice-breaking action with the ice-movement action, consolidating what would traditionally require separate components into one space-efficient unit.
4Ease of manufacture
If ice is allowed to pile in the storage container, then ice storage is simplified, but clumped ice reaches cutoff level faster and shuts off the ice maker
Solution Approach 1:
Periodic agitator cycles redistribute ice pieces to maintain a uniform fill level throughout the storage container. This prevents localized piling that would cause ice to reach the cutoff level prematurely, allowing the ice maker to continue operating without premature shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic redistribution of ice through drum rotation and blade action prevents static ice piles from forming. By continuously moving ice pieces, the system maintains an even distribution that delays reaching the cutoff level, extending ice maker productivity.
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
Prevents ice clumping, increases storage capacity, and ensures efficient dispensing by maintaining ice in a non-clumped state, allowing for continuous operation of the ice maker and user-friendly access to ice.
Implementation Method 1
an agitator mechanism to prevent clumping by maintaining ice in a fluidized state
Implementation Method 2
ice will sublimate within the storage container. As touching ice pieces sublimate, they become bonded together
Data Source
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AI summary
An ice dispensing assembly, as provided herein, may include a container, a rotatable drum, a motor, an agitator bridge, and a rotatable blade. The container may define an opening for passing ice. The rotatable may be positioned below the container. The rotatable drum may define an inner channel from a first arc point to a second arc point. The rotatable blade may be housed within the rotatable drum between the first arc point and the second arc point. The rotatable drum may be movable between a crusher position and an agitator position. The crusher position may include the rotatable blade in engagement with the rotatable drum at the first arc point while being circumferentially spaced apart from the second arc point. The agitator position may include the rotatable blade in engagement with the rotatable drum at the second arc point while being circumferentially spaced apart from the first arc point.