Dual Ice Maker Air Duct Cooling for Multiple Ice Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice making appliances typically produce only one type of ice, and the direct cooling of ice makers with refrigerant from a sealed system can be complex and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
An ice making appliance with two separate ice makers producing different types of ice, utilizing a sealed system with an evaporator to generate chilled air that is directed to each ice maker via supply ducts, eliminating the need for direct refrigerant cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If direct refrigerant cooling is used for ice makers, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces chilled air as an intermediary cooling medium between the evaporator and ice makers. Instead of directly plumbing refrigerant to multiple ice makers, the system uses a single evaporator to produce chilled air that is then distributed through ductwork to multiple ice makers, simplifying the refrigerant distribution system while maintaining effective cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs air (a gas) as the cooling medium delivered through ducts to the ice makers. This pneumatic approach replaces the need for complex hydraulic refrigerant distribution networks, using airflow to transfer thermal energy from the evaporator to multiple ice making locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ice makers are added to produce different ice types, then product versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal chilled air supply system that serves multiple ice makers with different functions. A single evaporator and air distribution system provides cooling to multiple ice makers that can produce different ice types (cubes, nuggets, etc.), allowing the system to perform multiple functions through a unified cooling infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the ice making function into separate ice maker units, each capable of producing different ice types. This segmentation allows consumers to have access to multiple ice varieties while the shared evaporator and duct system maintain overall system simplicity through common infrastructure
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 multiple types of ice, such as clear ice cubes and nuggets, without the complexity and expense of refrigerant plumbing, allowing users to select their preferred ice type and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporator is configured for generating chilled air during operation of the sealed system
Implementation Method 2
A first supply duct has an inlet positioned for receiving the chilled air from the evaporator. The first supply duct extends from the inlet of the first supply duct to the first ice maker in order to direct the chilled air from the evaporator to the first ice maker
Implementation Method 3
such ice makers are configured to receive refrigerant and facilitate heat transfer between liquid water in the ice maker and the refrigerant in order to generate ice
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making appliance is provided. The ice making appliance includes a first ice maker and a second ice maker. The first and second ice makers generate different types of ice. The ice making appliance also includes supply ducts for receiving chilled air from an evaporator and directing the chilled air to the first and second ice makers.