Removable Refrigerator Ice Bin With Non-Vertical Auger Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice bin assemblies in refrigerator appliances face difficulties such as visibility issues, cumbersome removal, and agitator management due to ice melting and refreezing, which complicates the extraction and rotation of the sweep or agitator, and restricts access to the ice bin.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator appliance with a removably received ice bin featuring a non-vertical auger with a coiled auger blade and a base or intermediate platform that accommodates the auger's expanding radius, allowing for easy ice dispensing and managing melted ice through apertures, facilitating user access and bin removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating agitator or sweep is provided within the ice bin to move ice to the dispenser, then ice dispensing efficiency is improved, but the agitator becomes difficult to remove or manage when ice melts and refreezes, and it restricts user access to the ice bin
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator is extracted from the ice bin body as a separate, removable component. The agitator assembly can be detached from the ice bin, allowing users to easily remove the ice bin without being constrained by the agitator mechanism. This resolves the contradiction by separating the dispensing function from the storage container.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice bin system is segmented into distinct components: the ice bin body, the agitator assembly, and the motor assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently removed or managed, eliminating the restriction where the agitator prevented ice bin removal.
2Reliability
If the top opening of the ice bin is kept relatively small to support the sweep or agitator, then the agitator can be properly supported, but user access to the ice bin is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator support structure utilizes the vertical dimension and internal bin walls rather than relying solely on a limited top opening. The agitator is supported by a mounting structure that extends down the sides of the bin, distributing the support load across multiple surfaces and allowing for a larger top opening while maintaining agitator stability.
3Extent of automation
If a motor is provided to drive the sweep or agitator, then automated ice dispensing is achieved, but it becomes difficult to arrange the motor and agitator connection without further restricting access to the ice bin
Solution Approach 1:
A drive shaft or coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor and the agitator. The motor can be positioned in a convenient location (such as at the rear or side of the bin) and transmit power through the intermediary mechanism to the agitator, allowing automated operation without compromising ice bin accessibility.
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 solution enhances visibility and accessibility of ice, simplifies the removal of the ice bin, and prevents ice clumping by directing ice efficiently to the dispenser and managing melted ice, improving user experience and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The non-vertical auger may include a rotation shaft extending along the rotation axis and an auger blade coiled about the rotation shaft
Implementation Method 2
In order to maintain ice in a frozen state, the ice bin is positioned within a chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance is provided, as provided herein, include a cabinet, a door, and an ice bin. The ice bin may be removably received within a chilled chamber and include a bin body and a non-vertical auger. The bin body may define a storage volume to receive ice therein and a dispenser opening in fluid communication with the storage volume. The non-vertical auger may include a rotation shaft extending along a rotation axis and an auger blade coiled about the rotation shaft. The auger blade may define an expanding radius along the rotation axis from a first blade end to a second blade end.