Multi-Part Icemaker Bail Arm for Breakage and Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional icemaker bail arms are prone to breakage and jamming when users access the ice bin, especially during power outages, as they are typically single pieces that do not move out of the way effectively, leading to contact with the bin and housing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of multi-part bail arms with torsion springs and hinge pins allows the bail arm to move relative to its components, providing clearance when the ice bin is accessed, reducing contact and jamming risks by bending or rotating to avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece bail arm is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bail arm is prone to breakage and jamming when users access the ice bin
Solution Approach 1:
The bail arm is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other. The first segment is rotationally attached to the ice maker, while the second segment is attached to the first segment and can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the bail arm to flex and avoid breakage when contacted by the ice bin, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If the bail arm is fixed and rigid, then it can effectively sense ice level, but it contacts the ice bin and housing when users access the bin, causing breakage and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The bail arm transitions from a rigid, fixed structure to a dynamic, multi-segmented structure where the second segment can rotate relative to the first segment. This dynamic capability allows the bail arm to move out of the way when the ice bin is accessed, reducing harmful contact with the bin and housing while maintaining its ice level sensing function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bail arm cannot move relative to its components, then the structure is stable, but it jams between the ice bin and housing during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bail arm into rotatable components, the structure maintains stability through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation. The rotational joints allow the bail arm to adapt its configuration to avoid jamming between the ice bin and housing, particularly during power outages when manual operation may be needed.
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 multi-part design effectively reduces the likelihood of bail arm breakage and jamming, ensuring smoother operation and user convenience, even during power outages by allowing the bail arm to retract and clear the ice bin path.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-part design effectively reduces the likelihood of bail arm breakage and jamming, ensuring smoother operation and user convenience, even during power outages by allowing the bail arm to retract and clear the ice bin path.
Implementation Method 2
The introduction of multi-part bail arms with torsion springs and hinge pins allows the bail arm to move relative to its components, providing clearance when the ice bin is accessed, reducing contact and jamming risks by bending or rotating to avoid obstacles.
Data Source
AI summary
Example multi-part icemaker bail arms are disclosed. An example multi-art icemaker bail arm includes a first member having a first end rotationally attached to the icemaker, and a second member attached to an opposite end of the first member, the second member moveable relative to the first member in response to a lateral force applied to the second member. An example icemaker includes a bail arm, a power source monitor to provide a signal representative of a power source state, a direct-current motor to retract the bail arm when the signal represents a power source interruption, and a battery to power the motor.