Ice Maker Pivoting Assembly for Spherical Ice Sealing and Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers face issues with incomplete sealing between the upper and lower trays, leading to ice removal defects and potential damage due to assembly tolerances and lack of components limiting the movement of the ejector, especially when making spherical ice.
Innovation Solution
An ice maker design featuring an upper assembly with hemispherical chambers made of elastic material, a pivotable lower assembly with elastic members, and a driver mechanism that ensures consistent closure of the ice chambers through differential elastic forces applied by pivoting arms, preventing gaps and ensuring reliable ice removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor assembly is disposed on one side of the lower tray, then the structure is simplified, but both ends of the lower tray do not pivot equally due to assembly tolerances, causing incomplete closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a compensation mechanism on the side opposite to the motor assembly. Specifically, a compensation rivet and elastic member are installed on the left side (opposite the motor) to counterbalance the uneven pivoting caused by the motor's weight and assembly tolerances. This asymmetric compensation ensures both ends of the lower tray close uniformly despite the asymmetric motor placement.
2Device complexity
If the ejector is allowed to move freely, then the structure is simpler, but the ejector may move out of position causing ice-removal defects or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing限位 structures (limiting structures) such as limiting ribs and limiting grooves that prevent the ejector from moving beyond its operational range. These structures are designed in advance to accommodate assembly tolerances and prevent the ejector from dislodging, thereby avoiding ice-removal defects or damage without adding complex active control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If spherical ice is made, then user convenience and storage efficiency are improved, but sealing between upper and lower trays becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells by making the upper and lower trays from elastic materials that can deform to accommodate the spherical ice shape. The elastic members and flexible tray design allow the trays to maintain sealing contact even when forming spherical ice, as the materials can adapt to the curved geometry and maintain uniform pressure distribution throughout the ice-making process.
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
The design guarantees sealing between the upper and lower trays, prevents ice deformation, and ensures reliable ice removal without damage, allowing for the production of spherical ice with minimal contact area and reduced burrs.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member having one end connected to the first pivoting arm and the other end connected to the lower assembly, and a second elastic member having one end connected to the second pivoting arm and the other end connected to the lower assembly, wherein the first and second elastic members are configured to apply an elastic force such that the lower assembly closes the ice chambers
Data Source
AI summary
An ice maker includes an upper assembly including a plurality of hemispherical upper chambers, a lower assembly disposed below and pivotably coupled relative to the upper assembly, wherein the lower assembly includes a plurality of hemispherical lower chambers, a driver configured to pivot the lower assembly, a pair of rotating parts disposed at both sides of the lower assembly, a first pivoting arm pivotally mounted on one of the rotating parts, a second pivoting arm pivotally mounted on the other of the rotating parts and connected to the driver, a connection shaft connecting the first pivoting arm to the second pivoting arm, a first elastic member having one end connected to the first pivoting arm and the other end connected to the lower assembly, and a second elastic member having one end connected to the second pivoting arm and the other end connected to the lower assembly.