Fluid-Operated Refrigerator Icemaker for Low-Energy Ice Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing icemakers in refrigerators face issues such as high energy consumption, freezer temperature fluctuations, mold breakage, and ice cube sticking due to the use of heaters and flexing mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies and consumer inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An automatic compact fluid-operated icemaker that uses a flexible mold and a fluid supply circuit with a solenoid switch to release ice without heat or mold flexing, employing a warmed fluid to aid in ice ejection and a control system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resistance wire heater is used to heat the ice cube tray, then ice cubes can be successfully harvested from the tray, but energy consumption increases and freezer temperature swings increase causing freezer burn and sugar migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heater component from the ice cube tray assembly, extracting the harmful heating function while retaining the ice harvesting capability through the flexible mold mechanism alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heater) with a mechanical field (flexible mold), using mechanical flexing instead of thermal heating to achieve ice cube release, thereby eliminating energy consumption and temperature swings
2Reliability
If a resistance wire heater is used to heat the ice cube tray, then ice cubes can be successfully harvested from the tray, but cyclic temperature loading increases causing freezer burn and sugar migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heater component from the ice cube tray assembly, extracting the harmful heating function while retaining the ice harvesting capability through the flexible mold mechanism alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heater) with a mechanical field (flexible mold), using mechanical flexing instead of thermal heating to achieve ice cube release, thereby eliminating temperature swings and their harmful effects
3Reliability
If a rotational force is applied to flex the plastic tray, then ice cubes can be forcibly removed from the mold, but cyclic high stress degrades the plastic causing mold failure and potential water leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible mold made of elastomeric material that can reversibly deform under pressure to release ice cubes, then return to its original shape without permanent deformation or degradation, eliminating the stress-related failure modes of rigid plastic trays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic, reversible deformation mechanism where the flexible mold temporarily changes shape during ice release and then returns to its original configuration, allowing repeated cycles without cumulative damage
4Reliability
If ejectors are used to aid in harvesting ice cubes, then ice cubes can be successfully ejected from the tray, but the mechanism adds complexity and ice cubes can still become stuck causing over-fill conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible mold made of elastomeric material that can reversibly deform under pressure to release ice cubes, then return to its original shape without permanent deformation or degradation, eliminating the stress-related failure modes of rigid plastic trays
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mold automatically releases ice cubes through pressure differential created by the solenoid-operated barrier, without requiring separate ejector mechanisms or manual intervention
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
This solution eliminates the need for additional heaters, reduces energy consumption, prevents mold breakage, and ensures efficient ice production and ejection, minimizing the risk of over-fill conditions and freezer damage.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid supply circuit including a pump and solenoid-operated barrier are mounted in the machine compartment
Implementation Method 2
The fluid supply circuit provides warmed fluid from the machine compartment that melts and aids in releasing the ice
Data Source
AI summary
An icemaker for a refrigerator having a cabinet with a refrigerated compartment and an unrefrigerated machine compartment includes a body portion formed with an inlet, an outlet and an opening. A flexible mold is positioned in the opening. A water supply is positioned to provide water to the flexible mold. A fluid supply circuit, including a pump mounted in the machine compartment, a first fluid conduit connected between the pump and the inlet, and a second fluid conduit connected to the outlet, provides warm fluid to the body portion. The icemaker forms ice during an ice production cycle and the fluid warmed in the machine compartment is used to partially melt and aid in releasing the ice which is then deposited in a ice storage bin during a harvest cycle.