Pivotable guard device for ice bin of refrigeration appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ice cubes are often inadvertently ejected from storage bins in refrigeration appliances, particularly from the rear, causing obstruction and hindering drawer closure, especially in cases of piled ice or automatic ice makers with extended use.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable ice bin guard device with a guard component suspended from a hanger component above the storage bin, pivoting to form a barrier and rake ice cubes forward or backward to prevent ejection and pile formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ice cubes are stored in an extendable storage bin, then accessibility for ice removal is improved, but ice cubes may be inadvertently ejected from the rear and obstruct drawer closure
Solution Approach 1:
A guard component is introduced as an intermediary element between the ice cubes and the rear opening of the storage bin. The guard extends downward from the rear wall to block the ejection path while allowing the drawer to close properly, thus mediating between the need for accessibility and the prevention of ice ejection obstruction
2Quantity of substance
If ice cubes form a pile in the storage bin during extended periods, then storage capacity is maximized, but drawer closure is hindered due to contact with overhead components
Solution Approach 1:
The guard component serves as a mediator between the piled ice cubes and the overhead components. By positioning the guard between the ice pile and the drawer closure path, it allows ice to accumulate for maximum storage while preventing the ice from interfering with drawer closure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed barrier is installed at the rear of the storage bin, then ice ejection is prevented, but the barrier may interfere with drawer extension and retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The guard component is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a storage position that blocks ice ejection and a retracted position that allows drawer extension and retraction. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between preventing ice ejection and maintaining drawer operability
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the guard component is always extended to block ice ejection, then ice cube retention is improved, but access to piled ice cubes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guard component can be dynamically positioned - extended when ice retention is needed and retracted when access to piled ice is required. This allows the system to adapt between maintaining ice cubes in place and allowing user access to accumulated ice
Data Source
AI summary
A pivotable ice bin guard device for preventing ice cubes from being inadvertently ejected from the back of an ice storage bin of a refrigeration appliance, such as over a rear wall of the ice storage bin. The ice maker guard device can include at least one hanger component that is mountable to the refrigeration appliance, such as in a freezer space thereof. A guard component is pivotably coupled to the at least one hanger component so as to be suspended from the hanger component above the ice storage bin. The guard component can also be located to engage the rear wall or other portion of the ice storage bin when the ice storage bin is in an extended position relative to the refrigeration appliance.