Sloped Refrigerator Dispenser Cavity for Storage and Large Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice and water dispensers in refrigerators face issues such as reduced storage capacity, inability to accommodate large containers, ice and water splattering, high power consumption, noise from solenoids, and air leaks between the ice chute and ice box, which compromise user experience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A forward projecting ice and water dispenser design with an ice chute extending through both the outer and inner door cavities, a retractable drip pan, a motorized ice chute door, and an air seal to reduce noise and power consumption, and a lighted target ring to minimize splattering, allowing for larger container filling and improved storage utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the dispenser cavity is inset into the door, then the dispenser structure is compact and integrated, but valuable storage space within the inner compartment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice chute is repositioned to extend through the outer door cavity rather than being confined to the inner door liner cavity. This dimensional relocation allows the dispenser cavity to be shallower while still providing access to ice through the outer cavity, thereby increasing usable storage space in the inner compartment.
2Device complexity
If the dispenser cavity is inset into the door, then the dispenser is integrated into the door structure, but the cavity receives only limited size beverage containers
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the ice chute through the outer door cavity to a forward position, the dispensing opening is relocated to a more accessible location. This allows larger beverage containers to be positioned in front of the door without being constrained by a deep inset cavity, improving versatility while maintaining integration.
3Device complexity
If the ice chute and water tube are located out of sight above the control panel, then the dispenser components are concealed, but the user cannot see where to locate the container causing ice chips and water spray to splatter
Solution Approach 1:
A lighted target ring is introduced as an intermediary visual indicator between the concealed ice chute components and the user. The illuminated ring clearly marks the precise location where the beverage container should be positioned, eliminating splatter without requiring the ice chute itself to be visible.
4Extent of automation
If an electrical solenoid is used to open and close the ice chute door, then the door actuation is automated, but the solenoid creates noise and consumes high power
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical solenoid is replaced with a mechanical spring-loaded cam mechanism. The cam is rotated by a low-power motor to mechanically open the ice chute door, eliminating the need for high-power solenoids while maintaining automated operation. This mechanical substitution reduces both power consumption and noise.
5Extent of automation
If the ice chute door is actuated by an electrical solenoid, then the door opens and closes automatically, but the solenoid creates a noisy electric buzz or snap sound
Solution Approach 1:
The noisy electrical solenoid is replaced with a quiet mechanical cam-and-follower system. The cam profile is designed to smoothly open and close the ice chute door through mechanical leverage, eliminating the electric buzz and snap sounds associated with solenoid operation while maintaining automated functionality.
6Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing variances in parts occur, then air leaks between the ice box and ice chute increase, but reducing variances increases manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible air seal member is introduced at the interface between the ice chute and ice box. This flexible membrane compensates for manufacturing variances by conforming to slight dimensional variations, maintaining an effective air seal without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
7Volume of moving object
If the ice chute extends through both outer and inner door cavities, then storage capacity is increased and large containers can be accommodated, but the ice chute structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ice chute is segmented into distinct sections: an inner portion within the inner door liner cavity and an outer portion extending through the outer door cavity. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively providing extended reach and increased storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser with a sloped dispensing cavity that extends upward and rearward from the refrigerator door. The dispenser design allows for more efficient use of storage space on the door behind the dispenser.