Refrigerator Icemaker Ice Dispersing Structure for Uniform Bin Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In icemakers, ice accumulation is often concentrated at the lower end of the storage container, leading to inefficient utilization of space and potential errors in detecting an ice-full state due to non-uniform distribution.
Innovation Solution
An icemaker with an ice dispersing unit that includes a plate-shaped guide member tilted downwards and towards the ice making container, featuring radially arranged guidelines of varying lengths and directions to ensure uniform distribution of ice within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ice is allowed to accumulate naturally in the storage container, then the ice making process is simple, but the ice distribution becomes non-uniform and concentrated at the lower end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ice dispersing unit as an intermediary component between the ice making unit and the storage container. This unit includes a guide member with multiple guidelines that act as mediators to redirect ice pieces from a natural concentration path to multiple distribution paths, achieving uniform ice distribution without complicating the overall ice making process
2Volume of stationary object
If ice accumulates uniformly throughout the container, then space utilization is maximized, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ice dispersing unit is segmented into multiple independent guidelines arranged radially within the guide member. Each guideline acts as an independent element that can be简单地 manufactured and positioned, allowing the system to achieve complex distribution functionality through simple, modular components rather than a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is designed with a tilted configuration relative to the vertical axis, introducing a dimensional angle to the ice distribution process. This angular arrangement causes ice pieces to be distributed not only vertically but also radially across different regions of the storage container, maximizing space utilization through spatial diversification
3Productivity
If ice is concentrated at the lower end, then the accumulation process is simple, but erroneous detection of ice-full state occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member with multiple guidelines serves as an intermediary distribution system that prevents ice concentration at any single location. By dispersing ice uniformly across the storage container, the system ensures that sensors positioned at various heights can accurately detect the ice-full state without being misled by non-uniform accumulation patterns
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 ice dispersing unit achieves uniform ice distribution, enhancing the utilization of the ice making container and preventing erroneous ice-full state detection by guiding ice into different regions of the container.
Implementation Method 1
an ice dispersing unit to disperse ice falling from the ice making unit into the ice making container
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an icemaker of a refrigerator including an ice dispersing unit to disperse ice for uniform distribution of ice in an ice making container. The icemaker includes an ice making unit to make ice, and an ice making container to receive ice separated from the ice making unit. The icemaker further includes an ice dispersing unit arranged between the ice making unit and the ice making container. The ice dispersing unit serves to guide the ice moving from the ice making unit to the ice making container, to assure uniform distribution of the ice in the ice making container.