Ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance

Abstract

An ice making assembly of a refrigerator appliance, the ice making assembly including an icemaker frame, an ice tray rotatably mounted to the icemaker frame and defining a first mold cavity and a second mold cavity for receiving water that is formed into ice, wherein the first mold cavity is fluidly isolated from the second mold cavity up to an upper wall that defines a maximum fill line, and a water supply system that supplies independent streams of water into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to ice making assemblies for a refrigerator appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include ice making assemblies mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment. The ice is stored in a storage bin and is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door.

[0003] Conventional refrigerator appliances may also include twist tray icemakers mounted on the freezer door. Typical icemaker trays in the refrigeration industry have notches in the weirs between cube cavities to allow water to flow to each ice cube cavity evenly. This may allow for uniform ice size and helps with ejection of all the cubes from the tray. However, the notches in the weirs create ice that is not smooth on the outside. This is not desirable and may result in consumer dissatisfaction, especially for those icemakers that are intended to make craft ice. In addition, these notches result in ice cubes having a fixed volume, resulting in little versatility in the ice formation process.

[0004] Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for improved ice making would be desirable. More particularly, an ice making assembly that includes features to facilitate versatile and efficient formation of ice cubes having improved appearance would be particularly beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided, including a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet and rotatable between a closed position enclosing the chilled chamber and an open position providing access to the chilled chamber, and an ice making assembly. The ice making assembly includes an icemaker frame, an ice tray rotatably mounted to the icemaker frame and defining a first mold cavity and a second mold cavity for receiving water that is formed into ice, wherein the first mold cavity is fluidly isolated from the second mold cavity up to an upper wall that defines a maximum fill line, and a water supply system that supplies independent streams of water into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, an ice making assembly of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice making assembly includes an icemaker frame, an ice tray rotatably mounted to the icemaker frame and defining a first mold cavity and a second mold cavity for receiving water that is formed into ice, wherein the first mold cavity is fluidly isolated from the second mold cavity up to an upper wall that defines a maximum fill line, and a water supply system that supplies independent streams of water into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a front view of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber and freezer chamber shown in an open position.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an icebox and ice making assembly for use with the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a front view of the example ice making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a perspective, cross-sectional view of the example ice making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a front, cross-sectional view of the example ice making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”“about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0020] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0021] As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to an icemaker of a refrigerator that uses multiple fill tubes for an ice tray, corresponding to the number of cavities in the tray. For example, a single valve may supply water to the icemaker, with a feed water line that branches into multiple tubes to fill each cavity. This branching can occur either via 'Y' connectors before the fill tubes or directly at their junction with the water line. There may be no notches in the weirs between the cubes to prevent them from freezing together. Alternatively, each fill tube can be individually fed by two or more water valves. This setup allows for unique water volumes to each fill tube, enabling the creation of ice cubes of varying sizes within the tray cavities. Another approach involves using a single fill tube and splitting the water flow to each ice cube cavity using a fill cup attached to the icemaker. This fill cup divides the water as it enters, eliminating the need for multiple fill tubes.

[0022] The water level dispensed into the icemaker to form ice cubes may be adjustable by the user through the refrigerator controls or a Wi-Fi connected app. Users can select a specific water volume or percentage relative to the maximum capacity, ensuring ice cubes are made to the desired size. The water distribution is designed to be equal across all cavities in the icemaker tray, resulting in uniformly sized ice cubes in each harvest. The water level is regulated by software algorithms based on either time or a flow meter. Alternatively, instead of the user selecting a specific amount of water fill, the icemaker can be programmed to produce ice cubes of random sizes within a specified range, or users can allocate specific proportions to different ice cube sizes (e.g., 25% of 150cc size, 25% of 200cc size, and 50% of 300cc size).

[0023] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

[0024] Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent second side 110 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent first side 108 of housing 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a side-by-side refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.

[0025] A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 provides a front view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and / or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0027] Referring now generally to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and / or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

[0028] Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on freezer door 130. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening freezer door 130. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

[0029] Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 are an external part of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 2, inside refrigerator appliance 100, freezer door 130 may include an ice dispensing system 150 that generally includes one or more icemakers and ice storage bins 152 that are configured to form ice. In this regard, for example, ice dispensing system 150 may define an ice making chamber 154 for housing ice making assemblies, storage mechanisms, and dispensing mechanisms. According to the illustrated embodiment, ice dispensing system 150 may include dispensing assembly 140 and may have a main icemaker 156. In addition, ice dispensing system 150 may include an icemaker for forming “craft ice” that is commonly large, clear cubes or spheres of ice for alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. For example, a user may access this craft ice by opening freezer door 130 and accessing storage bin 152 directly.

[0031] A control panel 160 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 160 includes one or more selector inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputs 162 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 162. Additionally, a display 166, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 160. Display 166 may be in communication with controller 164 and may display information in response to signals from controller 164.

[0032] As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and / or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

[0033] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3 - 6, icemaker 156 will be described in more detail according to example embodiments of the present subject matter. According to the illustrated embodiment, icemaker 156 is mounted to freezer door 130 of refrigerator appliance 100. As explained briefly above, typical icemaker trays have notches in the weirs between cube cavities to allow water to flow to each ice cube cavity evenly, resulting in ice that has undesirable protrusions, fixed volume, and which may be difficult to harvest and / or separate. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to features of icemaker 156 that may result in improved ice formation, easier harvesting, and versatility in the volume of formed ice. Although an exemplary construction is described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0034] As shown, icemaker 156 may generally include an icemaker frame 200 that is mounted to freezer door 130, e.g., within ice dispensing system 150. In general, icemaker frame 200 is a substantially rigid structure that is fixed in position to freezer door 130. Icemaker frame 200 may include one or more structures that are coupled for supporting various components of icemaker 156 as described herein. For example, icemaker 156 may further include an ice tray 202 that is rotatably mounted to icemaker frame 200 and which defines a plurality of mold cavities for receiving water that is formed into ice during the ice production process.

[0035] For example, as illustrated, ice tray 202 defines a first mold cavity 220 and a second mold cavity 222 that are generally configured to receive water that is formed into ice cubes. Although two mold cavities are illustrated, it should be appreciated that ice tray 202 may define any suitable number of mold cavities while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. According to an example embodiment, first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222 are fluidly isolated from each other. In this regard, as explained above, conventional ice trays include mold cavities that are fluidly coupled through a notch or passageway defined through the wall that connects adjacent cavities. These conventional cavities are fluidly coupled in this manner to permit water to flow between cavities, such that a single water supply spout can flood the ice tray and fill all mold cavities from a single source and to the same fill level. However, filling the ice tray in this manner results in ice bridges that extend between adjacent cavities, complicating ice harvesting and resulting in uneven cubes with protrusions where the bridges separate from each other. In addition, these typical ice trays require that every formed ice cube has the same volume.

[0036] In order to achieve fluid separation between first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222, ice tray 202 may define an upper wall 230 that defines a maximum fill line 232 and which separates first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222 along the vertical direction V all the way up to maximum fill line 232. In this manner, water may not flow between first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222 until the water exceeds the maximum fill line 232. For example, upper wall 230 may be continuous within a horizontal plane (e.g., a plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T). In addition, upper wall 230 may define no notch or break between first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222.

[0037] As described herein, each of first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222 define identical fill volumes up to maximum fill line 232. However, because first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222 are fluidly isolated as described above, these cavities do not permit water to flow between the cavities so long as water is not filled beyond the maximum fill line 232. Notably, this construction enables various advantages in the fill process, as described in more detail below.

[0038] Specifically, according to an example embodiment, icemaker 156 includes a water supply system 240 that supplies independent streams of water into first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, each of first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222 may have a dedicated fill tube from water supply system 240. More specifically, water supply system 240 may include a first fill tube 242 positioned over first mold cavity 220 and a second fill tube 244 positioned over second mold cavity 222. Water supply system 240 may include any suitable system of plumbing, flow regulating devices, valves, etc., to selectively distribute a predetermined volume of water to each mold cavity 220, 222. Moreover, as explained in more detail below, the volume of water supplied to each mold cavity 220, 222 may be selectively and independently varied as desired, e.g., based on user preference or input. For example, the first volume (supplied into first mold cavity 220) and the second volume (supplied into second mold cavity 222) may be different and adjusted by the user to form ice cubes having different size or volume.

[0039] Water supply system 240 may include any suitable system of plumbing, water control valves, pipes, etc. as needed to supply targeted flows of water to each of first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222. In this regard, as shown for example in FIG. 3, water supply system 240 may include a main water supply valve 250 and a diverter junction 252 that fluidly coupled main water supply valve 250 to first fill tube 242 and second fill tube 244. In this manner, main water supply valve 250 may split a flow of water (e.g., identified herein generally by reference numeral 254) evenly between first fill tube 242 and second fill tube 244. For example, diverter junction 252 may be a simple “Y” or “T” junction that splits the flow of water 254 to each mold cavity 220, 222.

[0040] According to still other embodiments, water supply system 240 may include dedicated valves for regulating the flow of water 254 to each mold cavity. In this regard, referring for example to FIG. 4, water supply system 240 may include a first water supply valve 260 that fluidly couples a water supply source to first fill tube 242 and a second water supply valve 262 that fluidly couples the water supply to second fill tube 244. In this manner, controller 164 may independently regulate each of first water supply valve 260 and second water supply valve 262 to dispense a precise and desired amount of water into each of first mold cavity 220 and second mold cavity 222, resulting in ice cubes having any suitable size or volume.

[0041] It should be appreciated that other plumbing configurations are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, water supply system 240 may include any other suitable number and configuration of flow regulating devices to independently regulate the flows of water to each respective mold cavity. For example, water supply system 240 may include any other suitable flow regulating device or diverter mechanism for selectively directing a flow of water 254 from the water supply.

[0042] In addition, the user may manipulate the flow volumes into each mold cavity in any suitable manner to regulate the size of ice cubes as desired. In this regard, controller 164 may be configured to receive a command to fill the first mold cavity 220 to a first volume, receive a command to fill the second mold cavity 222 to a second volume, and operate water supply system 240 to fill first mold cavity 220 to the first volume and second mold cavity 222 to the second volume. For example, a user may utilize control panel 160 to specify the desired ice cube size or volume for each respective mold cavity 220, 222 (or additional mold cavities). Alternatively, a user may use a remote device to select fill volume (e.g., such as a cell phone with a software application communicatively coupled to controller 164).

[0043] According to the illustrated embodiment, ice tray 202 is a twistable ice tray that is distorted in order to facilitate the release of ice. In this regard, ice tray 202 may be rotatable between a first position or the “home position” or “ice making position” where water supply system 240 may be used to fill mold cavities 220, 222 with liquid water. During the harvest process, ice tray 202 may be rotated within icemaker frame 200 by a drive motor 270 and icemaker frame 200 may further include a structural stop (not shown) that engages ice tray 202 to prevent localized rotation at one or more locations, thus resulting in the twisting of ice tray 202. This position may be referred to herein generally as the “harvest position.” Accordingly, as drive motor 270 continues to rotate ice tray 202, structural stop causes ice tray 202 to twist and deform the mold cavities 220, 222 in a manner that releases the ice cubes.

[0044] According to example embodiments, ice tray 202 may be formed by injection molding, e.g., using a suitable plastic material, such as injection molding grade polypropylene, Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Nylon 6, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any other suitable blend of polymers. Alternatively, according to the exemplary embodiment, these components may be compression molded, e.g., using sheet molding compound (SMC) thermoset plastic or other thermoplastics.

[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, comprising:a cabinet defining a chilled chamber;a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet and rotatable between a closed position enclosing the chilled chamber and an open position providing access to the chilled chamber; andan ice making assembly ice making assembly comprising:an icemaker frame;an ice tray rotatably mounted to the icemaker frame and defining a first mold cavity and a second mold cavity for receiving water that is formed into ice, wherein the first mold cavity is fluidly isolated from the second mold cavity up to an upper wall that defines a maximum fill line; anda water supply system that supplies independent streams of water into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the water supply system further comprises:a first fill tube positioned over the first mold cavity and a second fill tube positioned over the second mold cavity.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the water supply system further comprises:a main water supply valve; anda diverter junction fluidly coupling the main water supply valve to the first fill tube and the second fill tube.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the water supply system further comprises:a first water supply valve fluidly coupled to the first fill tube; anda second water supply valve fluidly coupled to the second fill tube.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the water supply system further comprises:a flow regulating device or a diverter mechanism for selectively directing a flow of water from a water supply.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the upper wall is continuous within a horizontal plane.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the upper wall defines no notch or break between the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a controller operably coupled to the water supply system, the controller being configured to:receive a command to fill the first mold cavity to a first volume;receive a command to fill the second mold cavity to a second volume; andoperate the water supply system to fill the first mold cavity to the first volume and the second mold cavity to the second volume.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein the first volume and the second volume are different.

10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the refrigerator appliance is a side-by-side refrigerator appliance and the chilled chamber is a freezer chamber.

11. An ice making assembly of a refrigerator appliance, the ice making assembly comprising:an icemaker frame;an ice tray rotatably mounted to the icemaker frame and defining a first mold cavity and a second mold cavity for receiving water that is formed into ice, wherein the first mold cavity is fluidly isolated from the second mold cavity up to an upper wall that defines a maximum fill line; anda water supply system that supplies independent streams of water into the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity.

12. The ice making assembly of claim 11, wherein the water supply system further comprises:a first fill tube positioned over the first mold cavity and a second fill tube positioned over the second mold cavity.

13. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the water supply system further comprises:a main water supply valve; anda diverter junction fluidly coupling the main water supply valve to the first fill tube and the second fill tube.

14. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the water supply system further comprises:a first water supply valve fluidly coupled to the first fill tube; anda second water supply valve fluidly coupled to the second fill tube.

15. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the water supply system further comprises:a flow regulating device or a diverter mechanism for selectively directing a flow of water from a water supply.

16. The ice making assembly of claim 11, wherein the upper wall is continuous within a horizontal plane.

17. The ice making assembly of claim 11, wherein the upper wall defines no notch or break between the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity.

18. The ice making assembly of claim 11, further comprising a controller operably coupled to the water supply system, the controller being configured to:receive a command to fill the first mold cavity to a first volume;receive a command to fill the second mold cavity to a second volume; andoperate the water supply system to fill the first mold cavity to the first volume and the second mold cavity to the second volume.

19. The ice making assembly of claim 18, wherein the first volume and the second volume are different.

20. The ice making assembly of claim 11, wherein the refrigerator appliance is a side-by-side refrigerator appliance.

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