Ice Maker Gear-Driven Multi-Tray System to Reduce Motor Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems face challenges in efficiently producing multiple types and sizes of ice in a compact and cost-effective manner, often requiring multiple ice makers with separate motors and control systems, which increases complexity, space usage, and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with an ice maker system that includes a plurality of trays, gears fixedly attached to the trays, and a single motor with a shaft having a threaded surface to engage the gears, allowing for the rotation of trays at varying speeds and directions to dispense ice into separate containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ice makers with separate motors are used to produce multiple types of ice, then the variety of ice shapes and sizes is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ice maker functions into a single integrated system where one motor drives multiple trays through a shared gear mechanism. The motor shaft connects to a gear that engages with multiple other gears, each attached to different trays, allowing one motor to control multiple ice production stations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor and gear system is designed to universally control multiple trays that can produce different ice types. The gear mechanism allows the motor to distribute rotational motion to various trays, enabling one system to perform multiple ice-making functions that traditionally required separate dedicated motors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ice makers are installed to produce different ice types, then the ice variety is improved, but the space utilization in the appliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ice maker trays are merged into a single compact assembly sharing common components including the motor, gear system, and control electronics. This consolidation reduces the total space required compared to having separate ice maker units for each ice type.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism allows compact arrangement of multiple trays in a nested or closely packed configuration, where the shared motor and gear structure serves as a common framework that supports multiple trays in limited space.
3Productivity
If multiple separate ice maker systems are used, then the ice production capability is improved, but the maintenance cost and serviceability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple ice maker functions into a single maintainable unit with one motor and integrated control system. This reduces the number of components that require maintenance and simplifies service procedures compared to multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor and control system serves multiple ice production functions, meaning that maintenance or repair of the motor benefits all ice-making capabilities simultaneously, rather than requiring separate maintenance for each dedicated motor.
4Device complexity
If a single motor controls multiple trays, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision for varying tray rotation speeds may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single motor and multiple trays, allowing differential speed control. Different gear ratios and gear configurations enable each tray to rotate at appropriate speeds for its specific ice-making requirements while still being driven by the same motor.
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
This solution enables the production of various ice shapes and sizes using a single motor and control system, reducing space and manufacturing costs while simplifying maintenance and serviceability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of gears fixedly attached to the plurality of trays; and a motor having a shaft rotatably coupled to the motor, the shaft including a threaded surface for engaging at least one of the plurality of gears. The plurality of gears include at least a first gear engaged with at least a second gear, such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation of the second gear.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system includes a freezer component defined by a top wall, a bottom wall positioned opposite the top wall, a pair of sidewalls extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, a rear wall positioned adjacent the pair of sidewalls, and a door positioned opposite the rear wall and hingedly connected to at least one of the pair of sidewalls. The refrigeration system also includes an ice maker system having a plurality of trays, a plurality of gears fixedly attached to the plurality of trays, a motor fixedly attached to at least one of the pair of sidewalls, and a shaft rotatably coupled to the motor, the shaft including a threaded surface for engaging at least one of the plurality of gears. The plurality of gears include at least a first gear engaged with at least a second gear, such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation of the second gear.