Ice Maker Compartment Segmentation for Multi-Size Ice Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice makers in refrigerators are limited to producing only a single shape and size of ice cubes, failing to accommodate user preferences for different ice shapes or sizes based on specific use cases, such as slower or faster cooling needs.
Innovation Solution
An ice making assembly with a mold body having discrete first and second compartments that form differently-sized ice cubes, along with an ice bucket and a shutter mechanism to selectively dispense ice from each compartment, allowing users to choose between various ice sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single ice maker is used, then the device size and complexity are kept simple, but only a single shape and size of ice cubes can be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The mold body is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment and second compartment), each capable of forming different types of ice cubes. This segmentation allows a single ice maker to produce multiple varieties of ice without requiring multiple separate ice makers, thus improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice maker is designed with multi-functional capability to produce different types of ice cubes (e.g., regular ice cubes, half ice cubes, crushed ice) using a single device. The mold body with multiple compartments and the selective dispensing mechanism enable one ice maker to serve multiple purposes, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ice makers are arranged to produce different ice types, then ice variety is improved, but the refrigerator appliance size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ice-making functions are merged into a single ice maker unit. The mold body contains multiple compartments that can simultaneously or alternatively produce different types of ice cubes. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate ice makers, significantly reducing the space required in the refrigerator appliance while maintaining the ability to produce various ice types.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging multiple ice makers side-by-side (horizontal dimension), the invention utilizes vertical stacking of compartments within the mold body. Different compartment configurations (e.g., full compartments for regular ice, half compartments for half ice) are arranged in the vertical dimension, allowing multiple ice types to be produced within a compact footprint.
3Ease of operation
If a single mold compartment is used, then the device structure is simple, but user preferences for different ice shapes and sizes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The ice maker incorporates a selective dispensing mechanism with a shutter that can dynamically switch between different ice types. The shutter is movable between different positions to selectively block or allow passage of ice from different compartments. This dynamic control element adds minimal structural complexity while providing users with flexible ice selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A shutter mechanism acts as an intermediary between the multiple ice compartments and the dispensing outlet. The shutter selectively controls which compartment's ice is dispensed by positioning itself to block certain outlets while allowing others to pass through. This intermediary component enables easy ice type selection without requiring complex user interaction with the mold body structure itself.
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 the production and dispensing of ice cubes of different shapes and sizes without increasing the overall size or complexity of the ice maker, catering to diverse user preferences and usage scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The ice maker may include a mold body for receiving and freezing water. The mold body may define a discrete first compartment and second compartment within which water freezes.
Implementation Method 2
The shutter may be movable across the outlet opening between a first position and a second position. The first position may include the shutter covering the second portion and spaced apart from the first portion to permit ice therefrom.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance or ice supply, as provided herein, may include an ice maker, an ice bucket, and a shutter. The ice maker may include a mold body defining a discrete first compartment and second compartment within which water freezes. The ice bucket may define a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber may be separated from the first chamber. The ice bucket may further define an outlet opening having a first portion in fluid communication with the first chamber and a second portion in fluid communication with the second chamber. The shutter may be disposed at the outlet opening and movable between a first position and a second position. The first position may include the shutter covering the second portion and spaced apart from the first portion. The second position may include the shutter covering the first portion and spaced apart from the second portion.