Ice Maker Ejector Pin Guide to Prevent Misalignment and Tray Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers face issues with ejector pin accuracy and stability, leading to potential malfunctions and damage due to misalignment or deformation, and may generate foreign substances through scratches.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a guide member that supports the ejector pin before and during entry into the ice outlet, preventing misalignment and ensuring accurate movement, while also being designed to prevent ice adherence and minimize contact with the tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guides are provided on both sides of the ejector to support movement, then the ejector is supported during operation, but the ejector pin may not be accurately inserted into the ice outlet if the ejector or guide is distorted or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the ejector pin and the ice outlet. This guide member remains stationary while the ejector moves, providing a stable reference path that ensures accurate insertion of the ejector pin into the ice outlet regardless of ejector distortion or deformation during operation
2Productivity
If the ejector pin pushes out the ice into the ice outlet, then ice ejection is achieved, but the position of the ejector pin may change causing the entire ejector to become distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a stationary intermediary that guides the ejector pin during ice ejection. This prevents the ejector pin from changing position or causing distortion to the entire ejector structure while still enabling effective ice pushing and ejection into the ice outlet
3Ease of operation
If the ejector pin is not accurately inserted into the ice outlet, then the ejector pin may hit the area around the ice outlet, but accurate insertion is difficult to achieve with conventional guides
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as a stationary intermediary structure that provides a fixed path for the ejector pin to follow. This eliminates the complexity of precise alignment between moving guides and the ice outlet, as the guide member remains stationary and simply directs the ejector pin accurately into the ice outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An ice maker according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a structure that guides an ejector pin to move precisely into an ice making cell without hitting surrounding components even if the ejector pin moves in titled state. This prevents the inoperability of the ejector and prevents damage to the ejector pin or trays.