Tilt-Out Refrigerator Ice Bin for Easy Access and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator freezers with ice dispensers lack a convenient and energy-efficient mechanism for accessing and removing ice cubes without opening the freezer door, which limits user convenience and increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator freezer design featuring an ice bin that is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis, allowing it to tilt out for easy access and removal of ice cubes, with a mechanism that includes pivot pins and sockets for secure mounting and a damper for smooth movement, enabling the ice bin to be removed without lifting it vertically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the ice bin is fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but accessing ice cubes requires opening the freezer door which increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The ice bin is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one, pivoting on a horizontal axis between a retracted position (when freezer door is closed) and an extended position (when door is open). This dynamic configuration allows the bin to move automatically with the door, enabling ice access without opening the door while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A door-linked mechanism acts as an intermediary, coupling the door movement to the ice bin position. The bin is mounted on the door assembly rather than being fixed to the freezer body, allowing it to be positioned conveniently for ice dispensing when the door is open without requiring the door itself to be opened.
2Ease of operation
If the ice bin is made removable for easy cleaning and maintenance, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The ice bin is designed as a separate, removable component from the door assembly. The bin can be detached from its pivot mounting on the door, allowing easy removal for cleaning and maintenance. This segmentation separates the bin from the fixed structure while maintaining a relatively simple pivot-based attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mounting provides a dynamic attachment that allows the bin to be easily removed and reinstalled. The horizontal pivot axis enables the bin to swing out for removal without requiring vertical lifting or complex disassembly, simplifying the removal process while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the ice bin tilts out fully for access, then ease of operation improves, but stability of the ice bin decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ice bin is designed to pivot dynamically between two stable positions: retracted (when door is closed) and extended (when door is open). The pivot mechanism on the horizontal axis allows controlled movement between these positions, providing stability in each state while enabling transition for ice access.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mounting system is designed to accommodate the full range of motion from retracted to extended position, providing stable support at both extremes. The horizontal pivot axis and associated mounting structure ensure the bin remains stable in the extended position for ice access while preventing excessive movement that would compromise stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator having an insulated cabinet and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet having an exterior face including a dispenser cavity. An ice maker in the refrigerated storage space is arranged to make and harvest ice pieces. An ice delivery system on the inside of the door dispenses ice pieces into a dispenser cavity in the exterior face of the door. The ice delivery system can include an ice bin including a generally open top and having a bottom opening pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis below the ice maker. The ice can receive ice pieces harvested by the ice maker and discharge ice pieces through the bottom opening and the ice delivery system in a first position. The ice bin can tilt out to permit access to ice pieces, and can be removed from the ice delivery system, in a second position when the door is open.