Ice Maker Chute Sensor Positioning to Reduce Clogging and Quality Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator ice makers, particularly those producing nugget ice, face issues with clogging due to excess ice and ice freezing to components, which existing sensors cannot detect, leading to damage and undesirable cloudy or hard ice when stored in freezer chambers.
Innovation Solution
An ice making assembly with a sensor positioned to transmit sensing signals through the chute and storage volume, allowing for detection of ice levels and clogging issues, including ice frozen in the chute, and a heating element to prevent ice from adhering to chute components, with a controller to deactivate the ice maker when obstructions are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If ice is stored in the freezer chamber at temperatures well below the freezing point of water, then ice can be stored for extended periods, but the ice becomes cloudy and hard which consumers find undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage function into two separate locations: the freezer chamber for long-term storage and a dedicated ice box in the fresh food chamber for quality maintenance. This segmentation allows ice to be stored for extended periods while maintaining desirable qualities by separating the storage duration function from the quality preservation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary space (ice box) between the freezer chamber and the user. This ice box acts as a buffer zone where ice can be held at higher temperatures that preserve quality, mediating between the cold freezer environment and the user's quality expectations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If nugget ice is produced and stored in the fresh food chamber at higher temperatures, then ice quality remains desirable, but ice can freeze to the chute components causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating to the chute components before ice is directed into the ice box. By pre-heating the chute surfaces, the system prevents ice from adhering to the chute walls during transport, eliminating clogging before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the chute components locally, creating a temperature gradient where the chute is heated while the ice box remains at higher ambient temperature. This parameter change prevents ice adhesion without compromising the overall ice quality environment.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted in the ice container to detect ice levels, then ice level monitoring is achieved, but ice freezing in the chute cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensing system universal by positioning sensors to detect multiple conditions: both ice level in the container and ice freezing in the chute. The sensor system serves multiple detection functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms for different ice-related problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the detection dimension from only the vertical ice level in the container to include the horizontal chute passage. By positioning sensors along the chute path, the system detects ice accumulation in a new spatial dimension, enabling comprehensive monitoring of both ice level and chute clogging conditions.
4Quantity of substance
If excess ice is generated, then ice supply availability increases, but the container over fills causing clogging and potential damage to the ice maker assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor ice levels and chute conditions, and the controller adjusts ice maker operation accordingly. When the container is full or chute clogging is detected, the system automatically stops ice production, preventing overfilling and potential damage while maintaining adequate ice supply.
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 effectively addresses clogging and ice level detection, reducing damage to the ice maker assembly and maintaining desirable ice quality by preventing ice buildup and freezing to components, ensuring efficient operation and user preference for nugget ice.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor positioned to transmit sensing signals through the chute, the sensor in communication with the ice maker
Implementation Method 2
a heating element to prevent ice from adhering to chute components
Implementation Method 3
an ice maker for producing ice
Data Source
AI summary
Refrigerator appliances are provided. A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber, and a door for accessing one of the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber. The refrigerator appliance further includes an ice making assembly disposed within one of the fresh food chamber, the freezer chamber or the door. The ice making assembly includes an ice maker, a container defining a storage volume for receipt of ice produced by the ice maker, and a chute extending between the ice maker and the container for directing the ice produced by the ice maker towards the storage volume. The chute includes a body defining a passage therethrough. The ice making assembly further includes a sensor positioned to transmit sensing signals through the chute, the sensor in communication with the ice maker.