Heated Ice Level Sensing to Prevent Refrigerator Ice Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerators with ice makers, the mechanical full ice detection lever can become frozen, leading to continuous ice supply and overflow due to the inability to accurately detect a full ice container.
Innovation Solution
An ice detecting sensor with a heater is applied to detect the ice level in the storage bin, using infrared signals to determine when the container is full, thereby controlling the ice supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical full ice detection lever is used, then the device structure is simple, but the detection reliability deteriorates when the lever becomes frozen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical full ice detection lever with an optical detection system using infrared transmitting and receiving units. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that freeze and fail, using instead optical signals that can reliably detect ice levels without being affected by freezing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared light as an intermediary between the transmitting unit and receiving unit to detect ice accumulation. The infrared signal acts as a mediator that can penetrate or reflect off the ice to provide detection information without requiring direct mechanical contact with the ice or being affected by freezing temperatures.
2Measurement precision
If the full ice detection lever is positioned to detect ice accumulation, then the detection function is achieved, but the lever becomes frozen and cannot operate mechanically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detection lever operation with an optical detection system. The infrared transmitting and receiving units detect ice levels through optical signals rather than mechanical movement, eliminating the operational problems caused by freezing while maintaining precise measurement capability.
3Productivity
If continuous ice supply is maintained due to detection failure, then the ice maker operates continuously, but ice overflow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the infrared receiving unit continuously monitors ice accumulation and sends signals to the controller. When the ice container reaches full capacity, the system receives feedback and automatically stops ice production, preventing overflow while maintaining continuous operation during normal conditions.
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 accurately detects the full state of the ice container, preventing ice overflow and ensuring efficient operation by stopping ice production when the container is full.
Implementation Method 1
applying heat to the ice detecting sensor of the ice maker
Implementation Method 2
detecting an amount stored in the storage bin, using infrared signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting an amount of ice stored in a storage bin made by an ice maker of a refrigerator, the method comprises applying heat to the ice detecting sensor of the ice maker, detecting an amount stored in the storage bin, and controlling heat application according to the detected amount. The ice maker has an ice detecting sensor attached thereto. A sensor heater provides the heat.