Ice maker for optimized water flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing icemakers face challenges in efficiently forming and removing ice pieces from evaporator tubes, leading to ice accumulation and reduced water flow, which hinders the ice formation process.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an ice formation assembly with an ejector mechanism and evaporator tubes, featuring a rotating ejector shaft with ejectors configured between partial bevels to pry ice pieces away from the tube, and a panel design that enhances water flow and reduces ice accumulation on stationary surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ice pieces are formed on the evaporator tube surface, then ice production is achieved, but ice accumulation occurs and water flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector mechanism is designed to rotate and make contact with the evaporator tube at specific intervals during the ice formation cycle. This dynamic action allows ice pieces to be periodically dislodged and ejected, preventing excessive ice accumulation while maintaining continuous ice production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector system enables the evaporator tube to self-clean by automatically ejecting formed ice pieces without requiring external manual intervention. The mechanism uses the formation process itself to generate the force needed for ejection, making the system self-sufficient in managing ice removal
2Strength
If ice pieces are tightly formed on the evaporator tube, then structural integrity of ice is achieved, but force needed to remove ice increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is designed with multiple contact points or segments that interact with different portions of the ice piece simultaneously. This segmented approach allows the removal force to be distributed across multiple locations, reducing the peak force required at any single point while still achieving effective ice detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector mechanism applies force not only in the radial direction (perpendicular to the tube surface) but also incorporates tangential or axial components through its rotation and geometry. This multi-dimensional force application exploits stress concentration points and fracture mechanics to reduce the overall force needed for ice removal
3Productivity
If water flow is restricted by ice accumulation, then ice formation is maintained, but water supply to formation cells is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector mechanism operates continuously or at frequent intervals throughout the ice formation cycle, ensuring that water flow pathways remain consistently clear. This continuous action prevents the gradual buildup that would otherwise restrict water supply to the formation cells, maintaining steady-state ice production
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 allows for efficient ice piece removal, reducing the force needed to detach ice from the formation cells and improving water flow, thereby enhancing the ice formation process and preventing ice accumulation, leading to increased ice production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
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 cell, an ejector, a panel, and an evaporator tube. The ice formation cell has a first wall and a second wall. The evaporator tube that comprises a first portion and a second portion. The panel is situated between the first portion and the second portion of the evaporator tube. The ejector is situated between the first wall and the second wall, the ejector being configured to remove an ice piece from the first portion or the second portion of the evaporator tube.