Grooved Refrigerant Tube Ice Maker for Faster Ice Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice makers lack efficiency in generating ice cubes due to inadequate refrigerant tube designs and ice formation mechanisms, leading to suboptimal ice production and removal processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed ice making system incorporates a refrigerant tube with a grooved interior and an evaporator tube design within an ice formation tray, utilizing a compressor, expansion valve, and ejector mechanism to efficiently freeze water and facilitate ice piece formation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional refrigerant tube designs are used, then the structure is simple, but ice production efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant tube is divided into multiple sections with different configurations. Some sections have grooves on their outer surfaces while others have smooth surfaces, allowing different portions to serve different functions in the ice formation process, thereby improving overall ice production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the refrigerant tube are given different surface characteristics (grooved vs. smooth) to optimize local heat transfer properties. The grooved sections enhance heat exchange efficiency where needed, while smooth sections maintain structural integrity and ease of ice removal in other areas
2Ease of operation
If conventional ice formation mechanisms are used, then the mechanism is simple, but ice removal is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ice formation tray is segmented into multiple cavities, each capable of forming ice cubes independently. This segmentation allows for easier removal of individual ice cubes and improves the overall ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant tube is positioned such that it contacts the ice cubes from below rather than from the sides. This inverted configuration allows ice cubes to be easily dislodged and removed, improving ease of operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If inadequate refrigerant tube designs are used, then the device is simple, but heat exchange efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant tube incorporates grooved surfaces that create channels and voids, increasing the effective surface area for heat exchange. This enhanced surface area improves heat transfer efficiency between the refrigerant and the water being frozen
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves on the refrigerant tube create curved surfaces that enhance heat transfer by increasing the contact area between the refrigerant tube and the surrounding water, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency
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 system effectively generates and removes ice cubes by maintaining a low temperature within the evaporator tube, allowing for efficient ice formation and easy removal, enhancing the overall ice production process.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant tube (106) disposed within the ice formation cell (103)... an evaporator tube design within an ice formation tray, utilizing a compressor, expansion valve
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a low temperature within the evaporator tube, allowing for efficient ice formation
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a compressor, expansion valve, and ejector mechanism to efficiently freeze water and facilitate ice piece formation and removal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of operating an ice maker with an exposed refrigerant tube. The method includes providing a water stream to an ice formation cell of an ice formation tray. A refrigerant tube freezes a portion of the water stream in order to make an ice piece layer. An ejector pries the ice piece layer away from the ice formation cell. The ejector is configured to rotate about an axis.