Sensor assembly for detecting ice level in a water jacket cooled ice storage chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing icemaking appliances face challenges in accurately determining the ice level within the storage container due to false temperature readings from the water jacket and maintenance difficulties, leading to potential overfilling and damage.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing assembly is introduced, comprising a sleeve with a conductive plug and thermistor, positioned above the water jacket to detect temperature changes within the ice storage chamber, ensuring accurate ice level detection and avoiding interference from the water jacket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature detector is incorporated into a wall of the ice storage container to detect ice level, then the ice level detection function is achieved, but false temperature readings occur due to influence from the water jacket and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detector is extracted from the ice storage container wall and relocated to the ice maker assembly. Specifically, the detector is positioned in the auger well or on the auger assembly, separating it from the water jacket environment that causes false readings. This extraction eliminates the interference from water jacket temperature while maintaining detection functionality through thermal coupling with the ice storage chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The auger assembly or auger well serves as an intermediary medium between the ice maker and the ice storage chamber. The temperature detector is positioned to sense temperature through this intermediary structure, which thermally couples to the ice storage chamber without being directly exposed to the water jacket, thus mediating accurate temperature detection.
2Ease of operation
If a temperature detector is installed within the wall of the ice storage container, then ice level detection is enabled, but maintenance becomes difficult and water leakage damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detector is extracted from the difficult-to-access location in the ice storage container wall and relocated to the ice maker assembly, which is more accessible for maintenance. The detector can be easily removed and replaced by detaching the ice maker assembly or accessing components within the auger well, eliminating the need for complex disassembly and reducing water leakage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice maker assembly serves multiple functions: ice production, ice storage, and temperature sensing. By integrating the temperature detector into this multi-functional assembly, the system eliminates the need for separate detection components in hard-to-reach locations, simplifying maintenance while maintaining detection reliability.
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 provides reliable and accurate ice level sensing, preventing overfilling and reducing maintenance risks, while maintaining the appliance's functionality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a thermistor inserted into the second portion of the sleeve, wherein the thermistor contacts the conductive plug at a junction of the first portion and the second portion, the conductive plug transferring heat between an interior of the ice storage chamber and the thermistor
Implementation Method 2
the conductive plug transferring heat between an interior of the ice storage chamber and the thermistor
Data Source
AI summary
An icemaking appliance includes an ice storage chamber and a water jacket at least partially surrounding the ice storage chamber. A sensor assembly includes a sleeve, a conductive plug inserted into a first portion of the sleeve, and a temperature sensor inserted into a second portion of the sleeve. The first portion of the sleeve and the conductive plug are at least partially disposed within the ice storage chamber.