Ice Making Machine UV Sterilization for Extended Device Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice making machines face issues with bacterial growth inside the machine, particularly in the sump, ice movement paths, and storage spaces, and ultraviolet light irradiation devices have a shorter lifespan than the machines, requiring constant high-intensity irradiation which is inefficient and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The ice making machine incorporates a UV sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet light along water and ice paths, with a control system to adjust irradiation intensity based on usage, and includes features to prevent bacterial growth and extend device lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet light irradiation device is used to sterilize water and ice paths, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates the ultraviolet light irradiation device only during specific operational phases: when the ice maker is operating, when ice is being dispensed, or when the ice storage chamber door is open. This periodic activation pattern provides necessary sterilization while significantly reducing cumulative operating hours compared to continuous operation, thereby extending the UV device lifespan while maintaining effective hygiene control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts UV irradiation timing based on real-time operational conditions detected by various sensors. The control unit monitors ice maker status, dispenser operation, and door opening/closing events to determine optimal moments for UV activation. This dynamic approach ensures sterilization occurs when most needed while avoiding unnecessary operation that would reduce device lifespan.
2Reliability
If high-intensity ultraviolet light irradiation is applied continuously, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet light irradiation device operates intermittently rather than continuously, activating only during specific operational phases such as ice making, dispensing, or door opening events. This periodic operation pattern maintains effective sterilization coverage while dramatically reducing total energy consumption compared to continuous high-intensity irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically regulates UV irradiation based on detected operational conditions, activating the device only when sterilization is actually needed. This dynamic control ensures high-intensity irradiation is applied selectively during critical moments while avoiding energy waste during periods when sterilization requirements are minimal or nonexistent.
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 system effectively sterilizes water and ice, prolongs UV device life, and ensures safe, sanitary ice production with controlled ultraviolet light usage, reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a UV sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet light to the water and sterilize the water
Implementation Method 2
an ice making section that freezes the water that flows out via the outlet section and make ice
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An ice making machine 10 includes a water tank 60, an ice making section 20, and a UV sterilization device 90. The water tank 60 includes an introduction section 68 via which water flows into the tank and an outlet section 61A via which the water flows out from the tank. The water tank 60 stores the water therein. The ice making section 20 is configured to freeze the water flowing out via the outlet section 61A and make ice. The UV sterilization device 90 irradiates ultraviolet light to the water and sterilize the water. The UV sterilization device 90 is disposed such that an ultraviolet light irradiation range of the UV sterilization device includes at least a flowing path of the water that flows into the tank via the introduction section 68.