Removable Ice Container Coupling for Easier Refrigerator Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice supply devices in refrigerators have an integrally formed ice storage container and ice breaking unit, making it inconvenient for users to separate and handle the ice storage container due to its heavy weight, especially when cleaning or carrying it with ice.
Innovation Solution
An ice supply device with a removably coupled ice storage container and ice breaking unit, featuring a binding device that allows easy separation and reconnection, along with an auger and rotating cutters for ice dispensing, and a diverting device for selective ice dispensing paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the ice storage container and ice breaking unit are integrally formed, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to heavy weight when cleaning or carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The ice supply device is divided into separate modules: the ice storage container and the ice breaking unit can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows users to separate the ice storage container for cleaning or carrying without handling the entire heavy assembly, while maintaining structural integrity when coupled together through the binding device.
2Ease of operation
If the ice storage container is made removable for easy cleaning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional binding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into removable ice storage container and fixed ice breaking unit, connected through a binding device that includes simple latching mechanisms. This segmentation enables easy removal for cleaning while the binding device structure remains relatively simple, avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice storage container is extracted as a separate removable component from the ice breaking unit. This extraction allows the storage container to be easily removed for cleaning purposes, while the ice breaking unit remains in place, minimizing the complexity added to the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If the ice storage container is separated for carrying, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The ice supply device is segmented into separable components connected by a binding device with latching mechanisms. This segmentation enables easy carrying of the ice storage container when needed, while the latching mechanisms ensure reliable connection when the components are assembled together for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding device merges the ice storage container and ice breaking unit into a functional assembly when coupled, ensuring reliable operation. The latching mechanisms provide secure connection that maintains reliability during operation while still allowing separation for carrying or cleaning purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice supply device and a refrigerator having the same are disclosed. The ice supply device includes an ice breaking unit having a breaker to break ice and a housing to house the breaker, an ice storage container removably coupled to the ice breaking unit and having a discharge hole to discharge ice, and a binding device to bind the ice storage container and the ice breaking unit. Accordingly, the ice storage container can be separated from the ice breaking unit, thereby facilitating handling of the ice storage container.