Ice Maker Divider Assembly to Prevent Water Leakage and Ice Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical spray-type ice making machines face issues with water leakage and ice adhesion due to surface tension between the divider assembly and ice chute, leading to reduced ice capacity and potential refrigerant damage from unharvested ice buildup.
Innovation Solution
A unique divider assembly with angled flaps and triangular-shaped thicknesses is designed to prevent contact with the ice chute, allowing free rotation and water flow, ensuring all ice sizes are harvested efficiently while maintaining water retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the divider assembly contacts the ice chute to prevent water leakage, then water retention is improved, but surface tension causes the divider to stick and prevents free rotation during harvest
Solution Approach 1:
The divider assembly is segmented into multiple individual dividers (typically 3-5 dividers) that can rotate independently on a common axis. Each divider is separated from the others, allowing them to move freely during harvest while collectively maintaining water containment when closed during freezing
Solution Approach 2:
The divider assembly transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where dividers can rotate between closed and open positions. The dividers are designed to automatically swing open during harvest due to ice cube impact or gravity, and close during freezing to prevent water leakage, adapting their configuration to operational needs
2Loss of substance
If the gaps between dividers are minimized to prevent water escape, then water retention is improved, but ice cubes cannot pass through during harvest
Solution Approach 1:
The divider gaps are dynamically adjusted through rotation. During freezing, dividers are closed with minimal gaps to prevent water escape. During harvest, dividers swing open to create sufficient clearance for ice cubes to pass through, enabling both water retention and ice discharge functions
Solution Approach 2:
The divider assembly undergoes periodic transitions between closed and open states synchronized with the freezing and harvesting cycles. The dividers close during freezing to retain water and open during harvest to allow ice passage, creating a rhythmic operational pattern that alternates between these two configurations
3Loss of substance
If the divider assembly is designed with tight tolerances to prevent water leakage, then water retention is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing a single complex divider assembly with tight tolerances throughout, the system uses multiple simpler divider segments with standardized dimensions. This modular approach reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving effective water containment through the collective action of multiple dividers
Solution Approach 2:
Tight tolerances are applied only where necessary (at the divider tips and water contact surfaces) rather than throughout the entire divider structure. The bulk of the divider assembly can be manufactured with standard tolerances, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining water retention effectiveness at critical locations
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 prevents water leakage and ice adhesion, ensuring complete ice harvesting and maintaining refrigerant integrity by allowing dividers to swing freely and preventing surface tension issues, thus enhancing ice production and machine reliability.
Implementation Method 1
surface tension between the divider assembly and ice chute
Implementation Method 2
by its own weight, the cube falls through a separating device
Implementation Method 3
water can easily escape from the recirculating system due to the spaces between and around the individual dividers
Implementation Method 4
the cube falls through a separating device and into the ice storage bin
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An ice making machine having a refrigeration system and a water system, the water system having a water reservoir located below a freeze plate adapted to hold water, and a sprayer assembly located below the freeze plate for spraying water from the water reservoir toward the pockets. An inclined ice slide is positioned below the freeze plate and above the sprayer assembly directing fallen ice toward an opening. A divider assembly separating the water system from the ice storage bin includes a plurality of dividers, wherein the dividers may rotate outwardly away from the opening to allow formed ice to fall into the ice storage bin. Each divider is formed from a generally rectangular body having a front face with a triangular-shaped thickness and an extension flap extending away from the body opposite the front face.