Stand-Alone Ice Maker Automated Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stand-alone ice makers face issues with tap water impurities affecting ice quality and scale buildup, and traditional cleaning methods are manually intensive.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone ice making appliance with a casing, removable reservoirs, a pump, and a controller that automates the cleaning process by draining and flushing water through the system, including a descaling operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning methods are used (moving the whole ice machine closer to a sink or using a big bucket to drain water), then cleaning can be performed, but the process becomes manually intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into two functional reservoirs: a first reservoir for holding cleaning solution and a second reservoir for collecting waste water. This segmentation allows the cleaning process to be divided into distinct stages (cleaning solution application and waste drainage), eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The ice maker is configured to perform its own cleaning through automated operation. The controller automatically controls the pump to circulate cleaning solution through the ice-making components and then drains the soiled water into the second reservoir, enabling the system to clean itself without external manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If tap water is used in stand-alone ice makers, then independent ice supply is provided, but impurities and scale buildup occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by automatically circulating cleaning solution through the ice-making components before scale buildup significantly impacts performance. The controller is configured to operate the pump during cleaning cycles to flush out impurities and prevent scale accumulation, addressing the harmful effects before they become problematic
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system converts the harmful effect of scale buildup into a benefit by using the same water circulation system to periodically flush and remove deposits. The pump and reservoir system, which could simply move water, is instead configured to actively clean components and prevent scale accumulation, turning a potential problem into a maintenance solution
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 manual effort in cleaning and descaling, effectively removing impurities and scale buildup, ensuring cleaner and better-quality ice production.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is disposed within the casing and is in fluid communication with each of the lower reservoir, the upper reservoir, and the ice maker. The pump is operable to flow water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir and the ice maker.
Implementation Method 2
The controller is also configured to drain the liquid from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir and close the first valve between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand-alone ice making appliance includes an upper reservoir fluidly coupled to a lower reservoir via a first valve. An ice maker is disposed within the casing. A pump is disposed within the casing and is operable to flow water from the lower reservoir to upper reservoir and the ice maker. A controller is positioned in the casing. A method of operating the stand-alone ice making appliance includes opening the first valve between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir. The method also includes draining the liquid from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir and closing the first valve between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir. The method further includes operating a descale or cleaning operation of the stand-alone ice making appliance.