Ice Maker Dual Control Box Design for Increased Cell Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice makers have limited size and cell capacity, leading to increased demands for a structure that can enhance the number of cells and prevent ice from getting stuck during ejection due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The ice maker is designed with a dual control box system, where the mechanism unit is divided between two control boxes, allowing for increased tray length and cell capacity, and includes an ejecting guide with a gentle curvature to prevent ice from sticking during ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ice maker size is increased to accommodate more cells, then the number of cells and ice production capacity increase, but the device complexity and space utilization become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The control box is divided into a first control box and a second control box that are detachably coupled. The first control box accommodates the motor assembly and driving assembly, while the second control box accommodates the control board and wiring harness. This segmentation allows for optimized space utilization and easier assembly/maintenance while accommodating more cells in the tray.
2Productivity
If the tray length is increased to provide more cells, then ice production per unit time increases, but ice may get stuck during ejection due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
An ejecting guide with a gentle curvature is provided in the second control box to guide the ejected ice. The curved surface of the ejecting guide prevents ice from getting stuck by smoothly directing the ice pieces as they are ejected from the extended tray, maintaining reliability despite the increased tray length.
3Device complexity
If the mechanism unit is consolidated in one control box, then the device structure is simpler, but the tray length and cell capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism unit is divided between two detachably coupled control boxes. The first control box contains the motor assembly and driving assembly, while the second control box contains the control board and ejecting guide. This segmentation frees up space in the tray area, allowing for an extended tray length to accommodate more cells while keeping the control structure manageable.
4Area of stationary object
If the second control box is positioned above the tray, then space utilization is improved, but ice may be obstructed during ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The ejecting guide with gentle curvature is specifically designed to bridge the space between the tray and the second control box positioned above it. The curved surface creates a smooth transition path that prevents ice from getting caught on the edges or corners, ensuring reliable ejection while maintaining optimal space utilization.
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
This design improves space utilization, increases the number of cells and ice production per unit time by 25%, and effectively prevents ice from sticking during ejection, enhancing the efficiency of ice making and ejection processes.
Implementation Method 1
an ejecting guide preventing the ice from being stuck in the second control box, when the ice is ejected from the tray
Implementation Method 2
a heating device installed adjacent to the tray to heat the tray such that the ice may be ejected
Implementation Method 3
The support is refrigerated to a below-freezing temperature and a container adapted to hold a body of water is moved to move liquid water contained therein uniformly about the support suitable to cause a clear substantially symmetrical ice body to build up outwardly on the refrigerated support
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An ice maker comprises a tray accommodating water to make ice, a first control box (200) installed at a side of the tray, the first control box (200) accommodating a predetermined part of a mechanism unit driving the ice maker; and a second control box (300) accommodating the other part of the mechanism unit which is electrically connected with the part of the mechanism unit accommodated in the first control part.