Ice Maker Air Duct Design to Reduce Storage Container Sublimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers allow air to enter the storage container, leading to sublimation of ice and the distribution of vapors, which should be minimized for efficient ice preservation.
Innovation Solution
An ice maker design with a curved air duct system that directs the air stream from the ice producer to the storage container, using a fan to generate a controlled air flow, and an air guiding duct to ensure the air stream exits along the outer sides of the storage container, preventing entry into the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air guidance is used to guide cold air, then cooling efficiency is improved, but air can still enter the storage container causing ice sublimation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful air stream is extracted and redirected away from the storage container. The air duct system separates the cold air flow path from the storage container, allowing the air guidance to cool the ice producer without allowing air to enter the storage container where ice is stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The air duct acts as an intermediary structure between the air guidance and the storage container. It provides a controlled pathway that directs cold air to the ice producer while preventing uncontrolled air entry into the storage container, thus mediating between cooling requirements and sublimation prevention.
2Productivity
If air stream flows against or around produced ice form elements, then vapor distribution is enhanced, but this should be avoided for ice preservation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful air flow that causes vapor distribution is extracted and redirected through the air duct away from the storage container. This separates the ice production process from the storage environment, allowing efficient ice production without the harmful effects of air flow on stored ice.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guidance creates a controlled air flow pattern for ice production, while the air duct creates a separate, controlled air flow path for storage. This copying of air flow control to different zones ensures that the production zone receives adequate cooling while the storage zone remains protected from harmful air entry.
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
Reduces air entry into the storage container, minimizing ice sublimation and vapor distribution, thus enhancing ice preservation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fan arranged in the air duct, wherein the fan is configured to generate an air stream from the ice producer to the storage container through the air duct
Implementation Method 2
the air duct is curved, at least in portions thereof, in an arch shape for guiding the air stream from the air duct inlet to the air duct outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An ice maker for mounting into a household cooling appliance, the ice maker includes an ice producer for producing ice; a storage container for storing ice; a driving unit for driving the storage container, the driving unit having a drive housing; and an air duct formed in the drive housing. The air duct has an air duct outlet configured in a front wall of the drive housing which faces towards the storage container and an air duct inlet provided in a side wall of the drive housing which faces towards the ice producer. A fan is arranged in the air duct. The fan generates an air stream from the ice producer to the storage container through the air duct.