Ice dispensing arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice dispensing mechanisms in household refrigeration appliances, such as those using lifting magnets or cam disks, face inefficiencies in opening and closing the flap, leading to jamming issues and high motor power requirements, especially when crushing ice cubes.
Innovation Solution
A motor-actuated ice dispensing arrangement featuring a rotating transfer element and a flap actuation device, with a blocking device to hold the flap in position, allowing for efficient opening and closing of the ice crusher flap using a crank drive mechanism, separating the functions of blocking and opening to reduce jamming and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If lifting magnets or cam disks are used to actuate the flap, then the flap can be opened and closed, but the motor power requirement increases and jamming issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flap actuation system is segmented into distinct functional components: a blocking device that holds the flap in the closed position, a transfer device with a rotating transfer element that converts motor rotation to flap pivoting motion, and a flap actuation device that directly actuates the flap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall motor power requirements and eliminating jamming issues between integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating transfer element acts as an intermediary between the motor and the flap actuation device. It converts the continuous rotation of the motor into controlled angular positions that correspond to the flap's open and closed states. This intermediary mechanism provides precise control and reduces the force requirements compared to direct actuation systems like lifting magnets or cam disks.
2Reliability
If a blocking device is added to hold the flap in position, then the flap remains stable in dispensing positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is merged with the rotating transfer element, utilizing the same rotational component to perform both the transfer function and the blocking function. The blocking device is coupled to the rotating transfer element, allowing it to be actuated by the same motor-driven rotation without requiring separate actuation mechanisms. This integration minimizes additional complexity while achieving reliable position holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating transfer element serves multiple functions: it converts motor rotation to flap actuation motion, positions the flap in open and closed states, and actuates the blocking device to hold the flap in the closed position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice dispensing arrangement is particularly suited for a household refrigeration appliance. A flap can rotate between a first and a second distribution position. A motor actuates the flap via a transfer device. The transfer device has a rotating transfer element and a flap actuating device. The rotating transfer element is rotated between a first and a second position, in order to rotate the flap, by way of the flap actuation device, between the first and second distribution positions. The rotating transfer element is coupled to the flap actuation device so that the flap, in the first position of the rotating transfer element, is arranged in the first distribution position and, in the second position of the rotating transfer element, the flap is arranged in the second distribution position. A blocking device maintains the flap in the first distribution position.