Ice Maker Tray Rotation Mechanism for Lower Motor Pin Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers face issues with synchronous movement and stable positioning of components, leading to excessive load on motors and increased complexity, cost, when trying to remove ice cubes, especially when using a single motor for two trays.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with an arm rotating around a perpendicular axis and a cylindrical intermediate member that converts linear movement to circular motion, allowing the ice cube tray to rotate easily with reduced force, using a U-shaped arm and guiding members with protrusions for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor is used to drive two ice cube trays, then the device complexity is reduced, but the motor pin is subjected to excessive load which may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor is divided into two independent driving mechanisms, each with its own motor and gear system. This segmentation allows each motor to independently drive one ice cube tray without bearing excessive load, while maintaining overall system simplicity through the shared control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the two independent motor systems. This coupling mechanism coordinates the operation of both trays, allowing them to be driven independently while maintaining synchronization when needed, thus distributing the load effectively.
2Strength
If two separate motors are used to drive two ice cube trays, then the load on each motor is reduced, but the control becomes difficult and the structure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Both motors are designed with identical structures and functions, allowing them to interchangeably drive either ice cube tray. This universal design simplifies control logic and reduces structural complexity by using standardized components throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The two independent motor systems are merged through a common coupling mechanism and control unit. This merging allows coordinated operation of both trays while maintaining the benefits of independent motor驱动, reducing overall structural complexity through integrated design.
3Device complexity
If a single motor is used to actuate both ice cube trays, then the number of parts is reduced, but the cost increases due to excessive load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single high-power motor is segmented into two lower-power motors, each capable of driving one ice cube tray independently. This segmentation reduces the total power capacity required while maintaining the ability to operate both trays, thereby reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to operate with partial action capability, where either motor can drive its respective tray independently. This allows the use of lower-power motors that are sufficient for individual tray operation, reducing overall system cost while maintaining full functionality.
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
Enables easier removal of ice cubes with less force, improving ergonomics and reducing the risk of motor damage by distributing the load and simplifying the actuation mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate member attached to the arm converts the linear movement of the arm to circular movement and transfers this movement to the first pin on the rotational axis of the ice cube tray
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an ice maker (2) which is suitable to be used in cooling devices (1), comprising at least one receptacle (3) wherein the ice cubes are stored; at least one ice cube tray (4) which is placed so as to rotate on the first pin and the second pin (10 and 11) arranged in the same horizontal axis on the receptacle (3) and which has a plurality of cells; an arm (5) which moves in an axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the ice cube tray (4); and a cylindrical intermediate member (7) which is centered with respect to the first pin (10) and which transfers the movement of the arm (5) to the first pin (10) which forms the rotational axis of the ice cube tray (4). In this embodiment of the present invention, when the arm (5) is pulled by the user in an axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the ice cube tray (4), the intermediate member (7) rotates itself and also rotates the ice cube tray (4) which is centered with respect to the intermediate member (7).