Countertop ice maker appliance and methods of operating the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional countertop ice makers have fixed refrigeration and ice forming components, resulting in a fixed ice output rate that is insufficient during periods of high demand.
Innovation Solution
A countertop ice maker appliance with a variable speed compressor, a variable speed condenser fan, and a variable speed motor assembly, controlled by a controller that adjusts the operating parameters to change the ice output rate in response to user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed refrigeration and ice forming components are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ice production rate cannot be adjusted to meet varying demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigeration system components adjustable rather than fixed. The compressor operates at variable speeds, the condenser fan adjusts its rotational speed, and the motor assembly varies its operation to change ice production rates. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different ice demand conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If variable speed components are added to adjust ice output rate, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the operating parameters of existing components rather than adding entirely new systems. The compressor speed, condenser fan speed, and motor assembly operation are adjusted as variable parameters to control ice production rate. This approach enables productivity adjustment while avoiding the complexity of multiple fixed-speed systems or complex mechanical variable displacement mechanisms.
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 adjustable ice making rates, allowing for increased ice production during high demand periods while reducing energy consumption during standard use, thus enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sealed refrigeration system including a compressor and a condenser
Implementation Method 2
a sealed refrigeration system including a compressor and a condenser
Implementation Method 3
a sealed refrigeration system including a compressor and a condenser
Implementation Method 4
a condenser fan to selectively urge a flow of air over the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A countertop ice maker appliance includes a compressor, a condenser, a condenser fan, and a motor assembly. A method of operating the countertop ice maker includes initiating a standard ice making cycle, the standard ice making cycle including a first set of parameters for each of the motor assembly, the compressor, and the condenser fan; receiving, via the user interface, a signal to initiate an adjusted ice making cycle; adjusting the first set of parameters to form a second set of parameters for each of the motor assembly, the compressor, and the condenser fan; and initiating the adjusted ice making cycle according to the second set of parameters.