Container and ice maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with fixed internal volumes face challenges in adapting to varying storage needs, leading to inefficient space utilization and frequent emptying or refilling requirements in ice makers.
Innovation Solution
A container with a variable internal volume, featuring a first and second housing connected by a dynamic adjustment assembly, allowing the bottom wall to move between positions to adjust the accommodating cavity's volume based on the weight of the contents, using an elastic member to provide elastic force and guide the movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the internal volume of the container is increased to reduce the frequency of emptying the container, then the storage capacity is improved, but the space available for water storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a dynamic bottom wall that can move between different positions to adjust the internal volume. The bottom wall is connected to an elastic member that allows it to flex downward, expanding the accommodating cavity volume when needed, while maintaining a compact position when storage capacity is sufficient. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the container volume adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The container changes its internal volume parameter dynamically based on the weight of objects stored. When the weight exceeds a threshold, the elastic member deforms, causing the bottom wall to move downward and increase the volume. This parameter change allows the container to optimize between storage capacity and water storage space allocation in real-time.
2Volume of stationary object
If the internal volume of the container is decreased to save space, then the space occupation is reduced, but the storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses a dynamic bottom wall mechanism that allows it to contract to a compact size when storage capacity is sufficient, reducing space occupation. The elastic member enables the bottom wall to return to its initial position, minimizing the container's footprint while maintaining full storage capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The container adjusts its volume parameter dynamically, transitioning from an expanded state with increased storage capacity to a contracted state with reduced space occupation. This parameter change is driven by the weight of stored objects, allowing the container to optimize its physical dimensions based on actual storage needs.
3Device complexity
If the container is designed with fixed volume, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to varying storage needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The container introduces a dynamic bottom wall connected to an elastic member, transforming the fixed-volume structure into a flexible, adaptable system. This dynamic element allows the container to adjust its volume based on storage needs while maintaining relative structural simplicity through the use of a single elastic component.
Solution Approach 2:
The container changes its volume parameter dynamically in response to the weight of stored objects. The elastic member deforms under weight, causing the bottom wall to move and adjust the internal volume. This parameter change provides adaptability to varying storage needs without requiring complex control systems.
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
The container dynamically adjusts its volume to optimize space utilization, reducing the frequency of emptying and refilling by expanding or contracting the accommodating cavity based on the weight of the contents, thus enhancing flexibility and efficiency in ice makers.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, the elastic member is configured to provide elastic force along the sleeve direction such that the bottom wall is positioned in the first position
Implementation Method 2
the bottom wall, driven by the gravity of the object contained in the accommodating cavity, is able to move between the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A container and an ice maker are disclosed. The container includes a first housing, a second housing and a dynamic adjustment assembly connected between the first housing and the second housing. A first side wall of the first housing and a second side wall of the second housing are in sleeve connection with each other and movable relative to each other along a sleeve direction. The second side wall, a bottom wall and at least a part of the first side wall enclose to form an accommodating cavity. The dynamic adjustment assembly adjusts a movement of the bottom wall between a first position and a second position according to the weight of an object in the accommodating cavity, to adjust the volume of the accommodating cavity.