Rotating Ice Bin Dispensing for Jam-Free Portion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice dispensing devices often jam and fail to consistently dispense a regulated amount of ice, especially when the storage bin is full or empty, and they do not handle different types and temperatures of ice effectively, while also allowing undesirable 'bottom of the bin' ice to be dispensed and increasing airflow, which compromises temperature maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A rotating ice bin system with an inner and outer surface and an opening that directs ice, coupled with an input and output chute, where the bin rotates to capture and dispense a regulated amount of ice without moving parts against the ice, minimizing airflow and maintaining temperature, and includes a secondary cooling unit and drive system for agitation and precise ice dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If moving parts (paddle wheels, augers, conveyors) are used to dispense ice, then ice can be moved and dispensed, but the device jams and fails to operate consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all moving parts that contact ice (paddle wheels, augers, conveyors) from the dispensing mechanism. Instead, ice is dispensed through a stationary opening in the bin wall using gravity and bin rotation, eliminating the source of jamming while maintaining dispensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using moving parts to push ice out, the invention rotates the bin itself to bring the stationary opening into position with the discharge chute. This inverts the conventional approach by making the container movable rather than the dispensing mechanism
2Ease of operation
If parts move against ice during dispensing, then ice can be conveyed, but the device becomes unreliable and prone to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes parts that move against ice from the system. Ice conveyance is achieved through bin rotation and gravity flow through a stationary opening, eliminating mechanical contact between moving components and ice
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical conveyance systems (paddle wheels, augers) with a gravitational flow system where ice moves through a stationary opening under gravity, controlled by bin rotation rather than mechanical pushing
3Reliability
If a stationary opening is used for ice dispensing, then no parts move against ice, but the device cannot reliably dispense regulated amounts of ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bin rotatable to dynamically position the stationary opening relative to the discharge chute. The opening captures ice during rotation and dispenses a regulated amount when positioned correctly, combining the benefits of no moving parts against ice with precise dispensing control
Solution Approach 2:
The bin rotates periodically to bring the stationary opening into position with the discharge chute, creating periodic ice dispensing cycles. This periodic rotation allows regulated amounts of ice to be captured and dispensed at controlled intervals
4Manufacturing precision
If the bin is rotated to dispense ice, then regulated amounts can be dispensed, but airflow increases and temperature maintenance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for large openings or hatches that would cause significant airflow. Instead, a small stationary opening is used that minimizes air exchange while still allowing regulated ice dispensing through controlled bin rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The bin rotation and ice dispensing occur quickly through the small opening, minimizing the time that airflow can occur. The rapid capture and dispensing action reduces thermal exchange between the bin interior and exterior environment
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
Ensures consistent and regulated ice dispensing across varying bin levels and ice types, prevents jamming, maintains temperature, and minimizes airflow to preserve cold storage, providing a reliable and scalable solution for ice dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating bin having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface; an input chute having a first end coupled to and in fluid communication with an ice making machine and a second end in fluid communication with the opening in the bin when the bin is in a first position; and an output chute in fluid communication with the opening of the bin when the bin is in a second position
Implementation Method 2
The bin may be insulated. The ice dispensing system may further include a secondary cooling unit coupled to the input chute thereby keeping the bin at a below freezing temperature
Implementation Method 3
minimize airflow though the input/output opening(s) of the bin during dispensing to maintain lower temperatures inside the bin
Data Source
AI summary
An ice dispensing system includes: a rotating bin having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending between the inner surface and the outer surface; at least one projection extending from the inner surface of the bin for directing ice within the bin; an input chute having a first end coupled to and in fluid communication with an ice making machine and a second end in fluid communication with the opening in the bin when the bin is in a first position; and an output chute in fluid communication with the opening of the bin when the bin is in a second position. The bin is configured to rotate from the first position to the second position and the opening has a geometry and size that directs ice within the bin and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position and dispenses the regulated amount of ice into the output chute when the bin reaches the second position.