Refrigerator Ice Maker Cartridge Latch for Spill-Free Filling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice making systems in refrigerators, both manual and automatic, face issues with water spillage during filling and require additional costly components for automatic systems, and lack a convenient and spill-proof method for filling ice cube trays.

Innovation Solution

An ice making unit with a cartridge system that includes a latch mechanism to prevent the cartridge from being placed into the housing unless the ice cube tray is properly mounted, utilizing a rotatable latch and biasing means to ensure the cartridge can only be inserted when the tray is in place, preventing water spillage and eliminating the need for extra water filling equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cartridge system is used to fill the ice cube tray, then water filling convenience is improved, but water spillage occurs if the tray is not properly positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater filling convenienceVSAvoidwater spillage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to prevent cartridge insertion unless the ice cube tray is properly positioned in the housing. The latch extends into the cartridge housing to block the cartridge path, creating a preliminary prevention mechanism that stops water spillage before it can occur by ensuring proper tray positioning precedes filling operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system requires the ice cube tray to be properly positioned in advance before the cartridge can be inserted. The latch mechanism must be in the retracted position (achieved by proper tray placement) before allowing cartridge insertion, ensuring the filling operation only occurs when the tray is ready to receive water

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If automatic ice making systems are used, then ice production automation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice production automationVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ice making system is divided into separate modular components: the ice cube tray housing, the cartridge containing water and filling mechanism, and the latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while simplifying the overall system structure and reducing the need for complex integrated systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is designed as a self-contained unit that includes both the water supply and filling mechanism. When inserted, the cartridge automatically fills the ice cube tray without requiring external pumps, tanks, or control systems, thereby achieving automation while minimizing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the latch extends into the cartridge housing to prevent placement, then cartridge positioning control is improved, but the cartridge insertion process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge positioning controlVSAvoidcartridge insertion process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The latch can extend into the cartridge housing to prevent insertion when the tray is improperly positioned, but it retracts to allow smooth cartridge insertion when the tray is correctly positioned. This dynamic behavior ensures both reliable positioning control and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy and spill-proof filling of the ice cube tray with a cartridge system that ensures the cartridge can only be placed when the tray is correctly positioned, reducing water spillage and eliminating the need for additional installation components in automatic systems.

Implementation Method 1

The latch has a closed position wherein the latch forms a barrier in the direction the cartridge is driven into the cartridge housing by extending into the cartridge housing and an open position whereto the latch is changed from the closed position by rotating around the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

The ice cube tray contacts the lower arm while being placed into the ice cube tray housing and forces the latch to rotate around the shaft. Consequently, the latch changes from the closed position to the open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the ice making unit comprises a biasing means that forces the latch to remain in the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic Force:

Data Source

PatentEP3215797B1An ice making unit for use in a refrigerator

Publication Date: 2018.11.21 ARCELIK AS

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an ice making unit (1) comprising an ice cube tray (2) having more than one cell (3) providing the making of ice cubes by freezing the water filled therein, a cartridge (4) providing the filling of water into the ice cube tray (2), an ice cube tray housing (5) enabling the ice cube tray (3) to be placed, and a cartridge housing (6) that is disposed above the ice cube tray housing (5) and that enables the cartridge (4) to be placed.