Modular Ice Bucket and Door Architecture for Three Ice Forms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice dispensing appliances face limitations in delivering multiple forms of ice, such as cubed, crushed, and shaved ice, from a single well using a single actuation mechanism, due to spatial constraints and increased system complexity.
Innovation Solution
An ice manipulation module with a removable housing, a motor-connected impeller, and interchangeable ice modification members (crushing and shaving blades) that can rotate in two directions to produce different forms of ice, allowing for the dispensing of cubed, crushed, and shaved ice from a single module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wells are used to provide various forms of ice, then ice form variety is improved, but spatial restraints of the appliance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single ice well that can deliver three forms of ice (cubed, crushed, and shaved) through a single actuator that can rotate in multiple directions. The impeller is designed with different operational modes: rotating in a first direction to deliver cubed ice, rotating in a second direction to deliver crushed ice, and rotating in a third direction to deliver shaved ice. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate wells while maintaining ice form variety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple forms of actuation are introduced to deliver three forms of ice, then ice form variety is improved, but system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single actuator with a multi-directional motor to control the impeller, which can rotate in at least three different directions to produce three different forms of ice. This single actuator design is simpler than implementing three separate actuators, one for each ice form, while still achieving the capability to deliver cubed, crushed, and shaved ice.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller's rotational direction is dynamically changed to achieve different ice forms. The motor can switch between rotating the impeller in a first direction for cubed ice, a second direction for crushed ice, and a third direction for shaved ice. This dynamic control of a single component replaces what would otherwise require multiple static actuators.
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 the efficient production and dispensing of three forms of ice from a single module, reducing spatial requirements and system complexity while providing user-selectable ice options.
Implementation Method 1
the impeller being operable between a first ice manipulating condition defined by a first directional rotation of the impeller, and a second ice manipulating condition defined by a second directional rotation of the impeller
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance including a module-receiving cavity disposed in the appliance. Also included is a removable module disposed in the module-receiving cavity, and at least one ice modification member disposed inside the removable module. A motor is operably connected with the removable module and includes an output shaft that extends into the removable module. An impeller is connected with the output shaft proximate to the at least one ice modification member, the impeller being operable between a first ice manipulating condition defined by a first directional rotation of the impeller, and a second ice manipulating condition defined by a second directional rotation of the impeller. An ice chute is located proximate the ice modification member for dispensing ice.