Refrigerator Ice Tray Layout for Space-Efficient Ice Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice-making devices in bottom freezer refrigerators have low space usage efficiency due to the presence of a cold air duct between the inner wall and the ice-making unit, which hinders the production and storage of ice pieces.
Innovation Solution
An ice-making device with an ice tray that extends above a drive device, featuring a slide with a wave-shaped cross-section to guide ice pieces from the tray to an ice-storing unit, allowing close contact with the device's end walls and optimizing space usage by eliminating the need for a cold air duct between the ice-making and storage units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cold air duct is provided between the inner wall and the ice-making unit, then the refrigeration process is maintained, but the space usage efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cold air duct is removed from the space between the inner wall and the ice-making unit. Instead, the ice-making unit is positioned to extend above the drive device, utilizing the space previously occupied by the duct for ice production and storage, thereby eliminating the duct while maintaining refrigeration through alternative positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice-making unit is repositioned in the vertical dimension, extending above the drive device rather than being positioned horizontally next to the inner wall. This dimensional change allows the unit to occupy space above the drive mechanism, effectively utilizing vertical space that was previously wasted.
2Volume of stationary object
If the ice tray is positioned to extend above the drive device, then the space usage efficiency is improved, but the complexity of guiding ice pieces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide structure utilizes the natural force of gravity to guide ice pieces from the ice-making unit to the ice storage unit. The inclined surface of the slide automatically directs ice pieces downward without requiring additional motors, sensors, or complex control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system while achieving effective ice piece transport.
3Volume of stationary object
If the slide is positioned above the drive device, then the space usage efficiency is improved, but the accessibility of the drive device may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice-making device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the ice-making unit in the upper portion, the slide in the middle portion, and the drive device and ice storage unit in the lower portion. This vertical segmentation allows each component to occupy its own space, enabling the slide to be positioned above the drive device for space efficiency while the drive device remains accessible from the front or side for maintenance and 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
Enhances space efficiency by increasing the capacity for ice production and storage, reducing cooling loss, and improving access to ice without compromising the refrigeration process.
Implementation Method 1
In an evaporation process, the refrigerant may evaporate and thereby absorb heat from the ambient air
Implementation Method 2
Cold air supplied into the refrigerator is uniformly distributed by convection
Data Source
AI summary
An ice-making device for a refrigerator. The ice-making device includes an ice tray, an ice-storing unit, and a slide. The slide is configured to guide ice pieces discharged from the ice tray toward the ice-storing unit. The ice-storing unit includes an ice storage part configured to accommodate the ice pieces released from the ice-making unit and a drive device configured to drive a delivery member for discharging the ice pieces from the ice storage part. The ice tray extends to a location above the drive device.