Icemaker Housing Design for Multi-Tray Support and Frost Reduction
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with icemakers require separate support members for each ice-making unit, reducing user convenience and increasing complexity, while also experiencing issues with frost buildup due to inefficient cold air flow.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design where multiple ice-making units are directly coupled to an improved ice-making housing with integrated motor mounting frames and support frames, allowing for efficient cold air flow and minimizing frost through strategically placed air holes and openings, eliminating the need for separate support members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If separate support members are used to couple each ice-making unit to the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple support functions into a single unified structure. The housing itself is designed with integrated support features including recesses that directly receive and secure multiple ice-making units, eliminating the need for separate support members. This merging of support functions into the housing structure reduces component count while maintaining structural stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate support members are used to couple each ice-making unit to the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as an integrated structure with built-in support recesses and mounting features. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate support members, simplifying the manufacturing process. The housing can be produced as a single component or pre-assembled unit with all support features incorporated, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ice-making housing structure is improved with air holes and openings, then the frost buildup is minimized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates air holes and openings that create a porous-like structure for air circulation. These openings allow cold air to flow through the housing and reach all ice-making units uniformly, preventing frost buildup in concealed areas. The strategic placement of these openings provides effective air circulation without requiring complex additional components.
4Device complexity
If multiple ice-making units are directly coupled to the housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with segmented recesses and individual mounting features for each ice-making unit. Each recess is precisely shaped and positioned to receive a specific unit, providing built-in alignment and positioning features. This segmentation approach allows direct coupling of multiple units while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized, repeatable features for each mounting location.
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
This design enhances user convenience by simplifying the icemaker structure and reduces frost buildup by ensuring efficient cold air circulation, thereby improving ice production and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first motor coupled to a front of the first rotating shaft of the first tray to rotate the first tray, a second motor coupled to a front of the second rotating shaft of the second tray to rotate the second tray
Implementation Method 2
an ice-making housing in which a plurality of motor mounting frames is formed on one surface so that the first motor and the second motor are fixed in the ice-making housing and a plurality of support frames is formed on another surface to support a rear of the first rotating shaft and a rear of the second rotating shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body including a storage compartment, and an icemaker provided inside the storage compartment, wherein the icemaker includes a first tray provided to form ice cubes having a first size, the first tray including a first rotating shaft, a second tray provided to form ice cubes having a second size, the second tray including a second rotating shaft, a first motor unit coupled to the front portion of the first rotating shaft of the first tray, a second motor unit coupled to the front portion of the second rotating shaft of the second tray, and an ice-making housing having a plurality of motor mounting frames at one surface thereof, and having a plurality of support frames at the other surface thereof so as to support the rear portions of the first and second rotating shafts respectively.