Ice maker ejection mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing icemakers face challenges in efficiently forming and removing ice pieces without causing damage or requiring excessive force, particularly due to the design of ice formation trays and ejectors, which can lead to increased energy consumption and reduced ice production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an ice formation tray with a unitary structure and an insert, along with an ejector shaft that spans between the tray's sides, allowing for a rotational mechanism to gently pry ice pieces away from the tray, reducing the breakaway force needed and enhancing ice removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional ice formation tray and ejector design is used, then ice pieces can be formed and removed, but excessive force is required and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the ice formation tray, specifically incorporating tapered walls that angle inward from bottom to top. This parameter change in the tray structure reduces the breakaway force required for ice ejection, thereby decreasing energy consumption while maintaining ice production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotating ejector mechanism that dynamically interacts with the ice pieces. The ejector rotates to gently pry ice pieces away from the tapered walls, creating a dynamic ejection process that requires less force compared to static ejection methods, thus reducing energy consumption
2Ease of operation
If a conventional ice formation tray and ejector design is used, then ice pieces can be formed and removed, but the force required to detach ice pieces is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the ice formation tray by incorporating tapered walls with specific angles. This parameter change creates a mechanical advantage that reduces the breakaway force required to detach ice pieces, making ice removal easier and requiring less force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the ejection function into two components: the tapered tray walls that provide mechanical advantage and the rotating ejector that provides the ejection motion. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function, with the tapered walls reducing required force and the ejector providing controlled movement
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 configuration reduces the force required to detach ice pieces, increases ice production efficiency, and minimizes energy consumption by optimizing the design of the ice formation tray and ejector mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
Refrigerant can be circulated inside of pipes. The refrigerant conducts heat from water on a heat exchange.
Implementation Method 2
The water can freeze into ice cubes
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making system and method that includes an ice formation tray, an ejector, and an ejector shaft is disclosed herein. The ice formation tray has a first side and a second side. The ejector includes a unitary structure and an insert, with the unitary structure encompassing the insert on at least four sides. The ejector shaft spans between the first side and the second side of the ice formation tray, with the ejector shaft passing through a bore in the insert of the ejector.