Motorized Ice Chute Door for Low-Leak Refrigerator Dispensers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ice and water dispensers in refrigerators face issues such as reduced storage capacity, inability to accommodate large containers, ice and water splattering, high power consumption, noise from solenoids, and air leaks between the ice chute and ice box, which compromise user experience and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A forward projecting ice and water dispenser design with an ice chute extending through both the outer and inner door cavities, a retractable drip pan, a motorized ice chute door, and an ice chute air seal, allowing for increased storage, easier filling of oversized containers, reduced splattering, lower power consumption, and minimized air leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the dispenser cavity is inset into the door, then the dispenser structure is compact and integrated, but valuable storage space within the inner compartment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispenser integrationVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ice chute is extended forward through the door panel to project beyond the front surface, moving the dispensing function from an inset cavity to a forward-projecting structure. This dimensional change allows the storage cavity to be positioned behind the door panel while the dispensing mechanism extends forward, effectively resolving the conflict between integration and storage space by utilizing the forward direction rather than consuming internal door volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Extent of automation

If the ice chute door is opened with an electrical solenoid, then the door can be actuated automatically, but the solenoid creates noise and consumes high power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor actuationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical solenoid actuation system is replaced with a manual mechanical actuation system. The ice chute door is now opened and closed by manual operation of a handle or latch mechanism, eliminating the need for high-power electrical solenoids. This substitution reduces both power consumption and noise while maintaining the essential door opening function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the ice chute and water tube are located above the control panel, then the dispenser structure is simplified, but the user cannot see where to locate the container causing splatter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispenser structureVSAvoidcontainer positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A light source is incorporated into the dispenser to illuminate the ice chute opening and water tube area. This lighting feature makes the dispensing location visible to users, allowing them to properly position their containers and avoid splatter. The light source can be activated when the dispenser is in use, providing visual guidance without complicating the overall dispenser structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS7703297B2Refrigerator with a water and ice dispenser having a motorized chute extension door

Publication Date: 2010.04.27 MAYTAG

AI summary

A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser. The dispenser includes an ice chute door actuated by an electric motor for reducing energy consumption over traditional solenoid activated doors.