Backstop for an ice maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers tend to bias the ice pile towards the front of the bin, leading to inaccurate sensing of the bin's fullness due to uneven ice distribution, which can result in premature cessation of ice production.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an ice stop mounted at a specific distance from the ice chute's end to deflect ice pieces towards the center of the bin, ensuring even distribution and allowing for more accurate sensing of the ice level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ice pieces are directed toward the front of the bin without deflection, then the ice maker structure is simple, but the ice pile becomes biased and storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An ice stop (intermediary component) is introduced between the ice chute and the bin to deflect ice pieces toward the center. This simple mediator element redistributes ice evenly without requiring complex mechanical systems, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If ice pieces are directed toward the front of the bin, then the ice chute design is simple, but the sensing accuracy of bin fullness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice stop serves as an intermediary that redirects ice flow to ensure even distribution across the bin. This simple deflection mechanism enables accurate sensing of bin fullness by creating uniform ice piles, eliminating the need for complex sensing or chute designs.
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
The even distribution of ice across the bin surface increases the storage capacity by approximately 6 pounds, enhancing the efficiency of ice production and sensing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The ice chute slopes downward from a first edge to a second edge
Implementation Method 2
the ice piece strikes the ice stop
Data Source
AI summary
An ice maker includes an ice maker housing, an ice mold, an ice chute, and an ice stop. The ice mold is mounted to the ice maker to receive a fluid from which an ice piece is formed when the ice maker is used. The ice chute is mounted below the ice mold to receive the ice piece when the ice piece is formed. The ice chute slopes downward from a first edge to a second edge. The ice stop is formed of a sheet of material mounted to extend in a vertical direction. The ice stop is mounted a distance from the second edge of the ice chute such that, when the ice piece exits from the second edge of the ice chute, the ice piece strikes the ice stop.