Ice-making machine that utilizes closed-loop harvest control with vibrational feedback

The patent applies mechanical vibration by generating acoustic waves through a vibrator that couples to the water body. The system exploits the difference in acoustic impedance between liquid water and ice to detect phase changes. When ice forms, it alters the vibration characteristics of the water body, which is detected by the vibrator. This directly addresses the detection difficulty while the controlled vibration frequency and analysis methods distinguish ice-induced changes from ambient vibrations, resolving the reliability concern.

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the acoustic wave properties reflected from or transmitted through the water body and using this information to determine ice formation status. The controller analyzes the reflected acoustic signals in real-time, comparing them against threshold values or patterns that indicate ice presence. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables reliable distinction between ice-induced vibrations and ambient noise, solving both the detection capability and reliability issues.

The system performs preliminary detection of ice formation status using acoustic wave analysis before the ice is fully formed. By continuously monitoring the vibration characteristics during the freezing process, the system can identify the precise moment when sufficient ice thickness is achieved. This allows harvesting to be initiated at the optimal time rather than waiting for complete formation, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing unnecessary cycle time and improving productivity.

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or time-based harvesting triggers with acoustic wave-based detection. Instead of relying on fixed time intervals or mechanical switches that require full ice formation, the system uses acoustic impedance changes to detect ice presence in real-time. This substitution enables precise timing of the harvesting action, ensuring consistent ice quality while minimizing machine downtime and maximizing productivity.