Ice Maker Pivoting Tray Assembly with Asymmetric Elastic Sealing
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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, preventing gaps and ensuring reliable ice removal through elastic forces and guided movement of the ejector.
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 introduces asymmetric elastic members (first elastic member and second elastic member) with different configurations to compensate for the asymmetric pivot mechanism. The first elastic member has a first elastic force while the second elastic member has a second elastic force, creating asymmetric compensation that balances the closure forces on both sides of the lower tray despite the motor being positioned on only one side.
2Ease of manufacture
If assembly tolerances are present, then manufacturing is easier, but the upper tray and lower tray may not close completely, leading to sealing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic members whose elastic forces can be adjusted to compensate for assembly tolerances. The first elastic member and second elastic member are configured with different elastic forces to account for variations in pivot alignment and tray positioning, ensuring that the trays close completely and seal properly despite manufacturing tolerances in the assembly process.
3Device complexity
If no component limits ejector movement, then the structure is simpler, but the ejector may move excessively causing ice removal defects or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a guide structure that preliminarily constrains the ejector's movement path before ice removal begins. The guide structure includes guide slots and guide pins that pre-position the ejector and limit its movement to a controlled trajectory, preventing excessive movement that could cause ice removal defects or damage to the ice maker components.
4Ease of manufacture
If gaps exist between upper tray and lower tray, then ice making is easier, but burrs are generated during spherical ice making
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the tray system. The upper tray and lower tray are made of elastic materials with specific local elasticity to ensure they close completely without gaps during spherical ice making. The elastic members are positioned at specific locations to provide localized closing forces where needed, ensuring uniform contact between the trays to prevent burr formation on the ice surface.
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
Guarantees sealing between the upper and lower trays, prevents gaps during spherical ice formation, and ensures reliable ice removal without deformation or damage, maintaining a closed state even with assembly tolerances and varying water volumes.
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 pivotally 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.