Ice making device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice making devices face issues with the drive unit being disengaged from the frame due to impacts or vibrations, as the current attachment mechanism does not adequately secure the drive unit in both the attaching and axial directions.
Innovation Solution
The ice making device incorporates a frame with first and second positioning parts, along with a restriction part and an abutting part, to securely attach the drive unit by positioning it in both the attaching and axial directions, using a mounting part with a support face and wall parts to prevent disengagement, and auxiliary positioning ribs to further stabilize the drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive unit is attached to the frame using only a fitted part and coming-off prevention part in the horizontal direction, then the drive unit can be prevented from coming off in the horizontal direction, but the drive unit is not positioned in the axial direction and thus there is possibility that the drive unit is moved and disengaged from the frame due to an impact or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the attachment control from one dimension (horizontal direction) to two dimensions by adding axial direction positioning. The first positioning part controls the horizontal direction while the second positioning part controls the axial direction, creating a two-dimensional positioning system that prevents disengagement more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure is divided into separate functional components: first positioning part for horizontal direction, second positioning part for axial direction, coming-off prevention part for horizontal retention, and abutting part for axial support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the drive unit is relatively moved in a direction intersecting the output shaft for attachment, then the coming-off prevention part can be resiliently bent to allow insertion, but the drive unit is not secured in the axial direction making it vulnerable to impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting part is pre-positioned in the axial direction to provide initial support and positioning for the drive unit before the attachment process is complete. This preliminary action ensures that even during the attachment operation when the unit is vulnerable, it maintains proper axial positioning and is protected from impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds axial direction control (second dimension) to the existing horizontal direction attachment process (first dimension). The second positioning part and abutting part work in the axial direction while the coming-off prevention part continues to work in the horizontal direction, creating comprehensive two-dimensional securing.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making device is provided and includes: an ice tray, having water storage recessed parts; a drive unit, structured to make the ice tray perform a reversing operation and a twisting operation interlocked with the reversing operation; and a frame, holding the drive unit. The drive unit is attached to the frame by being relatively moved with respect to the frame in an attaching direction intersecting the axial direction. The frame includes: a first positioning part, positioning the drive unit in the attaching direction; and a second positioning part, positioning the drive unit in the axial direction. The second positioning part includes: a restriction part, restricting a movement to the other side in the axial direction of the drive unit; and an abutting part, abutting with the drive unit from one side in the axial direction.