Ice Maker Frame Assembly with Guide Channels for Compact Refrigerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly, maintenance, and repair of ice maker systems in household refrigerators are complicated due to dimensional limitations, making it difficult to attach and detach ice makers from cooling compartments, especially those with small inner volumes.
Innovation Solution
An ice maker assembly configuration that includes a frame with guides and support elements with guide channels, allowing for easy attachment and detachment by facilitating sliding movements and providing stability, even in compact spaces, with features like horizontal and vertical guide channels and centering means to secure the frame during assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cooling compartment has a small inner volume, then the cooling appliance is more compact, but the attachment and detachment of ice makers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ice maker assembly is segmented into a modular frame structure that can be independently attached and detached from the cooling compartment. The frame includes separate guide elements that interface with corresponding channels in the compartment wall, allowing the ice maker to be divided into manageable sections for easier installation and removal in compact spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide channels and guide elements serve as intermediary components between the ice maker frame and the cooling compartment. These intermediaries facilitate the attachment and detachment process by providing a standardized interface that enables sliding movements, making the operation easier even when the cooling compartment has limited volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixed mounting is used, then the ice maker is stable, but assembly and maintenance procedures become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic removable connection. The frame incorporates guides that allow controlled movement during attachment and detachment, while maintaining stability when installed. This dynamic approach simplifies assembly and maintenance procedures by enabling easy access to the ice maker without complex disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the ice maker, guides the attachment and detachment movements through integrated guide channels, and ensures stable positioning when installed. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity by combining several functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is heavily supported, then the ice maker is stable during operation, but the attachment process requires more force
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channels are designed with sections extending in horizontal directions, creating a multi-dimensional attachment path. This allows the frame to be attached through sliding movements along horizontal guides rather than requiring direct vertical lifting against gravity, reducing the force needed during attachment while maintaining operational stability through the distributed support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling appliance has a cooling compartment to be provided with one or more ice makers. The cooling appliance has a frame for engagement with the ice maker. The frame is adapted to removably engage with a rear panel of the cooling compartment distal from an access opening of the cooling compartment. The cooling appliance further includes a support element to be secured to the rear panel, arranged for supporting the frame against the force of gravity. The frame has two or more guides at its rear panel-side end. The support element is formed with two or more guide channels for receiving and guiding the guides at an assembly step of engaging the frame to the rear panel.