Ice Maker Ejector with Protrusion Ribs for Automated Ice Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers in refrigerators face inefficiencies in ice separation, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced ice production due to the need for manual ice tray removal, which disrupts the cold air environment and prolongs the compressor's operation.
Innovation Solution
An ice maker with a semi-cylindrical ice tray featuring partition ribs and an ejector system powered by a brushless direct current motor, allowing for efficient ice formation and automatic discharge, while maintaining cool air circulation to enhance ice production and reduce energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual ice tray removal is used, then ice separation can be performed, but energy consumption increases and compressor operation is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The ice tray is designed with an inclined bottom surface that automatically guides ice to the ejection position using gravity, eliminating the need for manual removal or complex ejection mechanisms. The ice naturally slides down the incline when separated from the tray walls, achieving self-service ice discharge that maintains energy efficiency while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ice tray bottom is segmented into an inclined ejection surface and a horizontal storage area. This segmentation allows ice to be easily separated and directed along the incline to the discharge position, enabling automatic ice ejection without manual intervention while maintaining low energy consumption
2Ease of operation
If manual ice tray removal is used, then ice can be accessed, but the cold air environment is disrupted and compressor operation is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic ejection mechanism using the inclined bottom surface allows ice to be discharged without removing the entire ice tray from the freezing compartment. Ice is ejected through a small opening at the lower end of the incline, maintaining the cold air environment while providing easy ice access
Solution Approach 2:
Only the necessary portion (ice) is extracted from the freezing compartment through the ejection opening, rather than removing the entire ice tray. This minimizes disruption to the cold air environment and reduces energy loss while still providing easy ice access
3Extent of automation
If automatic ice maker is provided, then ice discharge is automated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves automation through passive gravitational ejection rather than active mechanical or electrical components. The inclined bottom surface automatically guides ice to the discharge position using gravity, providing automation without the energy consumption associated with motors, heaters, or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ejection systems (motors, gears, actuators) with a simple gravitational ejection mechanism using an inclined surface. This substitution achieves automation while dramatically reducing energy consumption by eliminating the need for powered components
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 enables easy ice separation, increased ice production, and improved energy efficiency by automating the ice discharge process, minimizing energy consumption and maintaining a consistent cold environment within the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector (120) rotatably provided and rotating the ice formed by the ice tray to discharge the ice from the ice tray; and a motor capable of rotating the ejector in forward and backward rotational directions
Data Source
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AI summary
An ice maker is disclosed, which comprises an ice tray for receiving water to form ice, having a plurality of partition ribs for partitioning an inner space into a plurality of ice making spaces; an ejector rotatably provided, rotating the ice formed by the ice tray to discharge the ice from the ice tray; and a motor for rotating the ejector, capable of performing forward and backward rotation, wherein a cell which is one space partitioned by the partition ribs includes a protrusion portion provided to be protruded toward an inner space and longitudinally extended along a moving direction of the ice.