Vented Ice Chute Flap for Smooth Flow and Cold Air Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs with icemakers and remote ice storage bins face issues with ice flow obstruction and air leakage due to complex activation mechanisms and aesthetically unappealing designs, particularly when the icemaking compartment is located within the fresh food compartment and the ice storage bin is on the door.
Innovation Solution
A moveable flap in the ice flow passage that automatically opens with the momentum of falling ice, biased by gravity to return to a closed position, allowing ice to flow while maintaining an airtight seal and preventing cold air leakage, with a vent for air flow and a gasket for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flap is included to close the ice flow passageway when the fresh food door is opened, then cold air leakage is prevented, but ice flow is impeded and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the flap (blocking ice flow) is extracted from its useful function (preventing cold air leakage). The flap is modified by adding vents that allow air to pass through while still blocking ice cubes, separating the air sealing function from the ice blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is designed with non-uniform properties: it has vents in specific locations that allow air passage while maintaining ice blocking capability in other areas. The local quality of the flap varies spatially to accommodate different functional requirements at different locations.
2Ease of operation
If an activation mechanism such as a push button or lever is added to open the flap, then ice flow is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed to open automatically using the weight and momentum of the ice cubes themselves as they fall into the storage bin. The ice cubes physically push the flap open without requiring any external activation mechanism, buttons, or levers.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic open position based on the forces applied by falling ice cubes. The system uses the natural dynamics of ice accumulation and gravity to trigger the opening action.
3Shape
If the flap is kept closed to maintain appearance and prevent air leakage, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but ice flow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The flap operates periodically, remaining closed during most times to maintain appearance, and opening only when ice cubes fall and trigger the mechanism. This periodic opening allows ice flow while maintaining aesthetic appearance during non-operational periods.
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
Facilitates smooth ice flow and air circulation between the icemaker and storage bin without increasing complexity or cost, maintaining a clean appearance and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
Movement of the moveable flap from the equilibrium position to the dispensing position may be caused by momentum of moving ice passing through the ice flow passage from the ice maker towards the ice storage area
Implementation Method 2
The movable flap may be biased to automatically move from the dispensing position to the equilibrium position. The movable flap may be biased towards the equilibrium by gravity.
Implementation Method 3
The movable flap may be mounted to rotate about a rotation member, wherein when the movable flap its center of gravity is offset from the rotation member to create a moment force about the rotation member that urges the movable flap towards the equilibrium position
Data Source
AI summary
A household refrigerator includes an icemaker in the cabinet and an ice storage area on a door. An ice flow passage extends between the icemaker and the ice storage area. A moveable flap is associated with the ice flow passage to cover an opening in the ice flow passage on the cabinet when the door is open. The moveable flap has an equilibrium position wherein the movable flap substantially covers the ice flow passage. A vent in the flap permits air to flow through the ice flow passage to the ice storage area with the movable flap in the equilibrium position. As ice moves through the ice passage from the icemaker towards the ice storage area, the momentum of the moving ice moves the movable flap from the equilibrium position to the dispensing position to permit the ice to flow to the ice storage area.