Ice making assembly coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice dispensing systems face issues with torque transmission between the dispenser motor and agitator, leading to slipping gears and undesirable audible effects when ice nuggets become lodged or clump, affecting performance and potentially damaging electrical components due to liquid water accumulation from melted ice.
Innovation Solution
An ice making assembly with a coupling system using a fork and socket mechanism that transfers torque and allows for a disengagable connection, enabling robust torque transfer while allowing the ice bucket to be easily removed, preventing liquid water from reaching electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If interengaging gears are used to connect the dispenser motor and agitator, then torque transfer is achieved, but gear slipping occurs under high torque conditions causing noise and reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into a fork member with multiple tines and a socket member with corresponding slots, replacing the single interengaging gear system. This segmentation allows for more distributed torque transfer across multiple contact points, reducing the likelihood of slipping and improving engagement reliability under high torque conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork-socket coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the dispenser motor and agitator. This intermediary connection provides a more robust torque transfer path compared to direct gear engagement, reducing slipping and noise while maintaining reliable power transmission to the agitator.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the dispenser motor is positioned above the ice bucket, then liquid water damage to electrical components is avoided, but the agitator connection becomes more complex requiring interengaging gears
Solution Approach 1:
The fork-socket coupling serves multiple functions: it transfers torque from the motor to the agitator, provides a disengagable connection for easy ice bucket removal, and maintains a compact design that works with the motor positioned above the ice bucket. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling allows for dynamic engagement and disengagement of the ice bucket from the motor assembly. The fork and socket can be easily engaged or disengaged by moving the ice bucket vertically, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex locking mechanisms or additional components.
3Ease of operation
If the fork and socket coupling allows easy ice bucket removal, then maintenance and cleaning are simplified, but torque transfer robustness must be maintained when engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into discrete fork and socket components that can easily engage and disengage. The multiple tines and slots provide sufficient contact area for robust torque transfer when engaged, while the simple vertical movement requirement maintains ease of operation for ice bucket removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork-socket coupling merges the torque transfer function with the mechanical connection function in a single integrated mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate torque transfer components and connection mechanisms, achieving both robust torque transfer and easy ice bucket removal through one unified design.
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 fork and socket coupling system provides a reliable torque transfer mechanism, reducing slipping and noise issues, and allows for easy removal of the ice bucket, preventing damage from liquid water and enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the ice dispensing system.
Implementation Method 1
The fork transfers torque from the drive shaft to the agitator via the socket when the fork engages the socket
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making assembly includes an ice bucket with an agitator rotatably mounted within the ice bucket. The agitator may be rotated by a dispenser motor. The agitator may be coupled to the dispenser motor via a fork connected to the motor and a socket connected to the agitator. The fork is selectively engagable with the socket, and the fork transfers torque from the dispenser motor to the agitator via the socket when the fork engages the socket. The ice making assembly may be provided in a refrigerator appliance.