Ice-Making Apparatus with Pivotable Mould Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Removing ice from a mould element in household appliances requires significant technical effort and is cumbersome for users.
Innovation Solution
An ice-making apparatus with a pivotable mould holding device that actuates an ejection mechanism, allowing the ice to be easily ejected by pivoting the mould element into an ejection position, utilizing a drive and transmission system to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mould element is used without an ejection mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users find it cumbersome to remove ice manually
Solution Approach 1:
The mould holding device is made pivotable about a first pivot axis, allowing dynamic movement between a first position (for ice formation) and an ejection position. This dynamic repositioning enables the mould to be tilted for easy ice removal without requiring complex linear ejection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the mould horizontally or vertically for ejection, the invention inverts the approach by pivoting the mould holding device to tilt the mould element, allowing gravity to assist ice removal. The mould element itself remains stationary relative to the holding device, but the holding device's pivot creates the ejection effect
2Ease of operation
If a pivotable mould holding device with ejection mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation improves for ice removal, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the mould element (for ice formation), the mould holding device (providing pivot support), and the ejection mechanism (with pusher element). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by distributing functions across separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection mechanism is designed to be actuated automatically by the pivoting motion itself. As the mould holding device pivots to the ejection position, the movement automatically triggers the pusher element to contact and eject the ice piece, eliminating the need for separate manual ejection actions or complex control systems
3Productivity
If manual ice removal is used without automation, then the device complexity is lower, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The mould holding device is pre-configured in a first position that optimizes the mould element for ice formation. Once freezing is complete, the system transitions to an ejection position through pivoting, which has been pre-designed to automatically engage the ejection mechanism. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for intermediate adjustment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles: the mould holding device pivots to the first position for ice formation, then pivots to the ejection position for ice removal, and returns to the first position. This periodic oscillation between two positions automates the entire ice making and ejection process, improving productivity through rhythmic operation
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 simple and efficient ejection of ice pieces, reducing user effort and improving the overall usability of the ice-making process.
Implementation Method 1
By cooling the at least one mould element, the liquid in the mould element can freeze or change to a solid state
Data Source
AI summary
An ice-making apparatus for a household appliance includes a housing and at least one mould element which is suitable and intended for moulding a piece of ice. At least one mould holding device is provided, in which the at least one mould element is arranged. The at least one mould holding device is pivotable about a first pivot axis relative to the housing from a first position into an ejection position. A pivoting into the ejection position actuates an ejection mechanism acting on the at least one mould element in such a way that in the ejection position the piece of ice emerges from the mould element.