Convertible Ice Maker with Pod Receiver for Infused Ice Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ice maker appliances produce only bland water ice, lacking flavor or nutrients, and adding a second ice maker for infused ice results in redundant systems and reduced storage space.

Innovation Solution

An ice maker appliance with a mold body and pod receiver that allows for selective production of plain or infused ice by mixing liquid water with additives in the mold cavity, using a pod receiver to hold additives and controlling temperature for infused ice formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a second ice maker is added to produce infused ice, then the ability to produce flavored ice is improved, but the device complexity and storage space are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce infused iceVSAvoidredundant systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single ice maker appliance is designed to perform multiple functions: it can produce both plain water ice and infused ice with various additives. The system includes a pod receiver that can hold different types of additive pods, allowing the same ice maker mechanism to serve dual purposes without requiring a separate dedicated infused ice maker unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionality of a plain ice maker and an infused ice maker into a single integrated system. The mold body, pod receiver, and control mechanisms are merged into one appliance, eliminating the need for two separate ice makers while maintaining both plain and infused ice production capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a second ice maker is added to produce infused ice, then the ability to produce flavored ice is improved, but the available storage space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce infused iceVSAvoidavailable storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If additives are mixed with liquid water before freezing, then the flavor and nutrient content of ice is improved, but the freezing temperature control becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive concentrationVSAvoidfreezing temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the freezing temperature parameter based on the presence and type of additives. The controller modifies the temperature at which the mold body is cooled to account for the freezing point depression caused by dissolved additives, ensuring proper ice formation despite the altered thermal properties of the water-additive mixture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the production of flavored or nutrient-enhanced ice without additional appliances, optimizing storage space and providing customizable ice options.

Implementation Method 1

a working fluid is used to directly cool the mold body, e.g., by conductive heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive heat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the air around the mold body may be cooled such that the mold body is indirectly cooled via the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12414577B2Convertible ice maker appliance for making infused ice or water ice

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method of operating an ice maker appliance includes determining an infused ice making mode of the ice maker appliance. The method also includes flowing a volume of liquid water through the pod in the pod receiver, whereby the additive mixes with the volume of liquid water. The volume of liquid water may be a predetermined volume of liquid water based on the infused ice making mode. The method further includes flowing the additive and the volume of liquid water into the mold cavity and retaining the additive and the volume of liquid water in the mold cavity to form an ice piece from the additive and the volume of liquid water. The method may also include operating the ice maker appliance to provide a predetermined temperature based on the infused ice making mode.