Ice Storage Bin Cooling Channels to Prevent Melting in Refrigerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In icemaker apparatuses, especially in 'bottom freezer' type refrigerators, the lack of airflow around the ice storage bin causes its temperature to rise above the freezing point, leading to ice melting and potential water spills due to inadequate cooling.
Innovation Solution
An ice storage bin with a body defining an ice collection cavity and at least one channel surrounding a substantial portion for fluid flow, combined with a fan for circulating cooling air through the channel to maintain the ice storage bin's temperature below freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a secondary cooling liquid is used to cool the icemaker apparatus, then the icemaker can be disposed in the fresh food compartment, but the temperature of the ice storage bin tends to rise above the freezing point causing ice to melt
Solution Approach 1:
The ice storage bin is segmented with multiple channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) that divide the cooling fluid flow path. This segmentation allows efficient heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the bin walls, maintaining temperature below freezing point while enabling the bin to be located in the fresh food compartment
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling fluid (intermediary substance) is introduced as a mediator to transfer cold from the freezer compartment to the ice storage bin in the fresh food compartment. The fluid circulates through channels in the bin, absorbing heat and maintaining the bin temperature below freezing point without direct contact between the bin and freezer air
2Ease of operation
If the ice storage bin is disposed in the fresh food compartment, then ice can be delivered through the fresh food compartment door, but there lacks airflow around the ice storage bin causing temperature to rise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a hydraulic cooling system where a cooling fluid circulates through channels in the ice storage bin. This fluid-based cooling mechanism replaces the need for complex airflow systems, efficiently maintaining temperature control through fluid circulation rather than air movement
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
Effective air circulation around the ice storage bin ensures it remains at a temperature below the freezing point, preventing ice melting and water spills, thus enhancing the icemaker's performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one channel surrounding at least a substantial portion of the body for permitting fluid flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
circulating fluid flow through the at least one channel
Implementation Method 3
the ice maker using a liquid refrigerant to convert water into ice
Data Source
AI summary
An ice storage bin and an icemaker apparatus are disclosed. The ice storage bin has a body for defining an ice collection cavity and a channel surrounding at least a substantial portion of the body for permitting fluid flow through the channel. The icemaker apparatus is disposed in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator. The icemaker apparatus has an ice maker, above the ice storage bin, and an icemaking compartment for accommodating the ice maker and the ice storage bin.