Hybrid Ice Maker with Vibration Release and Splash-Control Flange
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing icemaking machines face challenges in energy efficiency and water splash control, particularly when integrated into refrigerator doors, where ice cube trays must withstand door openings and closures without spilling water and maintain effective heater circuit performance.
Innovation Solution
An icemaker with a thermoformed ice tray using a 2-piece design, incorporating a heater circuit and radiofrequency sensing, and a vibration mechanism to dislodge ice cubes without heat, along with a raised flange to prevent water splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater circuit is used to release ice from the tray, then ice can be effectively dislodged, but power consumption exceeds 100 watts which is energy inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an eccentric cam mechanism that vibrates the ice tray during the ice release process. This vibration mechanically dislodges ice cubes from the tray without requiring high-power heating, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective ice release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a low-power heater (less than 10 watts) combined with mechanical vibration instead of high-power heating alone. This parameter change allows the system to achieve ice release with significantly reduced power consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ice tray is made deeper to prevent water spilling during door openings, then water splash control improves, but heater circuit performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical vibration mechanism helps to secure ice cubes in the tray during door openings by preventing them from shifting and spilling. This allows the use of deeper trays without compromising heater performance, as the vibration provides stability during dynamic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a 2-piece tray design that segments the ice tray into separate components. This segmentation allows for optimized depth and heater circuit integration, enabling the tray to be deep enough to prevent spilling while maintaining effective heating performance.
3Ease of operation
If the ice tray is twisted and inverted for ice removal, then ice can be expelled from the tray, but the tray requires robust injection molded plastic that resists cycling and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the twisting and inverting mechanism with mechanical vibration that gently shakes the tray to release ice cubes. This eliminates the need for robust distortion-resistant materials, allowing the use of lighter, more easily manufactured materials while maintaining effective ice removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical twisting and inverting system with a vibration-based system. This replacement simplifies the structural requirements of the tray, reducing the need for heavy-duty materials that can withstand repeated twisting cycles.
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
The solution enhances energy efficiency by reducing power consumption to less than 10 watts and effectively controls water splash during door openings, while maintaining ice tray integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a heater circuit and radiofrequency sensing
Implementation Method 2
a vibration mechanism to dislodge ice cubes without heat
Implementation Method 3
radiofrequency sensing
Implementation Method 4
a planar, thin sheet of thermoplastic material is heated to a pliable state
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making device provides an ice tray and a frame to hold the ice tray. The frame has a proximal end with a motor and a distal end with a circular opening. An insert positioned in the circular opening with a projection provides a vibrating motion to dislodge ice cubes from the ice tray. An ice tray includes an integrated heating circuit for sensing capacitance and releasing frozen ice cubes. An ice tray also includes a raised flange to prevent water from splashing out of the ice tray.