Ice Maker Exposed Evaporator Tube Automated Ejection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ice makers lack efficiency in ice formation and removal processes, often requiring manual intervention and inefficient use of refrigerant cycles, which can lead to energy wastage and prolonged ice formation times.

Innovation Solution

The ice making system incorporates an evaporator tube within an ice formation tray, utilizing a refrigerant cycle that includes a compressor, expansion valve, and condenser tube to efficiently lower the temperature of the evaporator tube, combined with an ejector mechanism for automated ice removal, facilitating faster and more efficient ice production and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional ice makers use manual intervention for ice removal, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ice maker employs an automated ejector mechanism that uses refrigerant expansion to physically eject ice cubes from the mold cavity without human intervention. The system self-regulates the ice making and ejection cycle through temperature sensing and automated control, eliminating the need for manual ice removal while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical ice removal with an automated refrigerant-based ejection system. High-pressure refrigerant is directed through an expansion valve to create a rapid pressure differential that mechanically ejects ice cubes, substituting human labor with an automated thermodynamic mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional ice makers use inefficient refrigerant cycles, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of energy increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts refrigerant pressure, temperature, and flow rate parameters throughout the ice making cycle. The control system modifies these thermodynamic parameters in real-time to optimize heat transfer efficiency during different phases of ice formation, maximizing productivity while minimizing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of the refrigerant (liquid to gas expansion) to drive the ice ejection mechanism. The rapid phase change creates the necessary pressure differential to eject ice cubes automatically, converting thermal energy directly into mechanical work and improving overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Use of energy by moving object

If evaporator tube is exposed to water stream, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but reliability decreases due to potential freezing blockage

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The evaporator tube is positioned to be exposed only in the specific region where water flow is most effective for heat transfer, while other portions remain protected. This localized exposure optimizes thermal efficiency in the critical heat exchange zone while minimizing the risk of freezing blockage in less critical areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors temperature and flow conditions around the evaporator tube, adjusting refrigerant flow and water delivery in real-time. This feedback mechanism prevents freezing blockage by detecting early signs of ice formation and correcting the thermal balance before operational disruption occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system enables faster ice formation, automated ice removal, and improved energy efficiency by optimizing refrigerant usage and integrating a mechanical ejector mechanism, enhancing the overall performance and convenience of ice production.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a refrigerant cycle that includes a compressor, expansion valve, and condenser tube to efficiently lower the temperature of the evaporator tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

The ice formation tray is configured to receive a water stream and freeze at least a portion of the water stream that comes into direct contact with the evaporator tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10837688B2Ice maker with exposed refrigerant tube
Publication Date: 2020.11.17
  • US10837688B2 patent drawing
  • US10837688B2 patent drawing
  • US10837688B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and apparatuses for making ice and ejecting the ice from an ice formation cell. In one example, a system includes an ice formation cell, a refrigerant tube, and an ejector. The refrigerant tube is disposed within the ice formation cell. A portion of the water stream can freeze on the refrigerant tube to generate the ice piece. The ejector rotates about an axis. When rotating, the ejector pries an ice piece away from the refrigerant tube disposed the ice formation cell.