Ice Maker Evaporator With In-Path Heater for Quiet Ice Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers face noise generation and decreased corrosion resistance when separating ice from evaporators, as current methods involve refrigerant temperature changes or external heaters.
Innovation Solution
An evaporator design where a heater is inserted into the refrigerant flow path to directly or indirectly heat the evaporator and dipping member, allowing for ice separation without the need for high-temperature heating or refrigerant flow path switching valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater is provided outside the evaporator to heat the evaporator for ice separation, then ice can be separated from the evaporator, but the evaporator is heated to a high temperature and thus resistance to corrosion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is inserted into the refrigerant flow path so that heating occurs locally at the heating section where refrigerant flows, rather than heating the entire evaporator. This localized heating approach melts ice at the critical area without causing excessive temperature rise in the evaporator body, thereby maintaining corrosion resistance while achieving ice separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant acts as an intermediary medium for heat transfer. The heater heats the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path, and the heated refrigerant then transfers heat to the evaporator and dipping member to melt ice. This indirect heating through refrigerant prevents direct high-temperature contact between the heater and evaporator, preserving corrosion resistance.
2Reliability
If a refrigerant having a temperature higher than the freezing point flows into the evaporator for ice separation, then ice can be separated from the evaporator, but noise is generated by a flow path switching valve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the flow path switching valve from the system by using a single refrigerant flow path that continuously circulates refrigerant. The heater provides the necessary temperature control for ice separation without requiring valve switching, thereby eliminating the noise source associated with valve operation while maintaining ice separation capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a heater is inserted into the refrigerant flow path to directly heat the refrigerant, then ice separation is achieved without overheating the evaporator, but the heater insertion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is integrated into the refrigerant flow path structure, combining the heating function with the existing refrigerant circulation system. The heater insertion section is incorporated into the evaporator body design, merging multiple functions (refrigerant flow, heating, and structural support) into a unified structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added heating capability.
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 minimizes noise during ice separation and maintains corrosion resistance by heating only the necessary components, preventing overheating of the evaporator.
Implementation Method 1
a heater having at least a portion inserted into the refrigerant flow path, and directly or indirectly heating at least one of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path, the evaporator body, and the dipping member to separate the ice generated on the dipping member from the dipping member
Implementation Method 2
when water is in contact with at least a portion of the evaporator or at least a portion of a member connected to the evaporator, ice may be generated on the evaporator or the member connected to the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
An evaporator for an ice maker includes an evaporator body having a refrigerant flow path formed therein; a dipping member connected to the evaporator body, for a refrigerant having a temperature lower than a freezing point of water to flow in the refrigerant flow path to generate ice in a state in which at least a portion of the dipping member is submerged in water; a heater having at least a portion inserted into the refrigerant flow path, and directly or indirectly heating at least one of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path, the evaporator body, and the dipping member to separate the ice generated on the dipping member from the dipping member; and a connection member connecting the evaporator body and the refrigerant flow path to be connected to a refrigeration cycle, and inserting the at least a portion of the heater into the refrigerant flow path.