Refrigerator Ice-Maker Layout for More Usable Fridge Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerators, the installation of an ice maker and dispenser in the refrigerating chamber reduces usable space and compromises aesthetic appeal due to protrusion and exposure of the ice bucket.
Innovation Solution
The ice maker and ice bucket are positioned within a middle wall partitioning the refrigerator into upper and lower storage chambers, allowing them to be hidden from view and freeing up space in the upper chamber, with a transfer apparatus and ice lifting mechanism for efficient ice distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ice maker and ice bucket are installed in the refrigerating chamber, then the ice making function is provided, but the usable space of the refrigerating chamber is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice maker and ice bucket are extracted from the refrigerating chamber and relocated to the freezing chamber. This separation allows the refrigerating chamber to maintain its full usable space while the freezing chamber, which has excess space, accommodates the ice making components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ice bucket is exposed in the refrigerating chamber, then the ice making function is visible, but the aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice bucket is extracted from the visible refrigerating chamber area and placed in the freezing chamber, where it is concealed from external view. This allows the front surface of the refrigerating chamber to maintain a clean, aesthetic appearance while the ice making function remains operational in the freezing chamber.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ice maker and ice bucket protrude in the corner of the refrigerating chamber, then the ice making function is provided, but the space utilization is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The ice maker and ice bucket are taken out from the corner area of the refrigerating chamber and relocated to the freezing chamber. This eliminates the protrusion issue and allows the refrigerating chamber corner to be fully utilized for storage purposes, improving overall space utilization.
4Volume of moving object
If the ice maker and ice bucket are installed in the freezing chamber, then the usable space of the refrigerating chamber is increased, but the ice making function must be relocated
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the freezing chamber (where the ice maker is located) and the refrigerating chamber (where ice is needed). This apparatus automatically transfers ice pieces from the freezing chamber to the refrigerating chamber, eliminating the need for manual retrieval and maintaining ease of operation despite the relocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a refrigerator having a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber, an ice maker configured to make ice pieces, an ice bucket configured to store the ice pieces made in the ice maker and a middle wall partitioning inside space of the refrigerator into the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber and including a base portion and a stepped portion located higher than the base portion to form ice-making space, wherein at least one portion of the ice maker and at least one portion of the ice bucket are accommodated in the ice-making space. With this structure, the space for actual use of the first storage chamber can be increased.