Refrigator applicances having a removable ice storage bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator appliances face inefficiencies due to the need to open doors to access or view the ice storage bin, which introduces hot ambient air and reduces the appliance's efficiency, and existing dispenser systems provide limited access to ice.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a slidably mounted ice storage bin with an insulated front wall and a dispensing assembly that allows the bin to be removed and positioned for independent access, enabling ice delivery without exposing the chilled chamber to ambient air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is opened to access or view the ice storage bin, then the user can retrieve ice or check ice levels, but hot ambient air is introduced into the chilled chamber reducing refrigerator efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ice storage bin is segmented from the main chilled chamber, allowing it to be accessed independently through a removable design. The bin can be taken out through the door opening without requiring the entire door to be opened, thus isolating the chilled chamber from ambient air exposure while still providing convenient ice access.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice storage bin is extracted as a separate removable component from the chilled chamber. Users can remove the bin through the door opening to access ice outside the refrigerator or to view contents without opening the main door, thereby preventing hot ambient air from entering the chilled chamber and maintaining refrigerator efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a dispenser assembly is installed in the door to direct ice outside, then ice can be dispensed without opening the door, but the dispensing area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the ice dispensing function from a two-dimensional dispenser assembly embedded in the door to a three-dimensional removable bin that can be positioned anywhere within reach of the user. By removing the bin through the door opening, users gain access to a much larger dispensing area outside the refrigerator, transforming the limited door-mounted dispenser into an expansive external storage and dispensing location.
3Reliability
If the ice storage bin is fixed within the chilled chamber, then ice can be stored in a controlled environment, but the bin cannot be easily removed or accessed without opening the door
Solution Approach 1:
The ice storage bin transitions from a fixed static position to a dynamic removable design. The bin can be easily slid out through the door opening and removed completely, allowing users to access ice or view contents without opening the main door. When reinserted, the bin returns to its stable position within the chilled chamber, maintaining the reliability of ice storage while dramatically improving 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
This design enhances the efficiency of the refrigerator by allowing ice access without opening the door, maintaining the chilled environment and providing a convenient, expanded area for ice dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
The ice storage bin may include an insulated front wall positioned across the bin opening in the mounted position
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance, as provided herein, may include a cabinet, a door, a dispensing assembly, an icemaker, and an ice storage bin. The door may define a bin opening and a dispenser recess. The dispensing assembly may be positioned within the dispenser recess and define an ice delivery passage. The ice storage bin may define a storage cavity. The ice storage bin may be slidably mounted to the door to move through the bin opening between a mounted position and a removed position. The ice storage bin may include an insulated front wall positioned across the bin opening in the mounted position. The storage cavity may be in communication with the icemaker in the mounted position to receive ice therefrom. The storage cavity may further be in communication with the dispensing assembly in the mounted position to direct ice to the ice delivery passage.