Ice Maker Fill Section Heater to Prevent Ice Dam Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances with ice makers in the freezer compartment face issues with ice dams forming at the outlet of the water fill line, leading to obstructed water flow and unwanted ice formations, necessitating frequent maintenance and component replacements.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration appliance design featuring a water fill assembly with a removable fill and heater assembly, including a plate with a heating element and a shroud that directs water into the ice tray, maintaining the plate temperature above zero degrees Celsius to prevent ice formation and reduce the likelihood of ice dams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the freezer compartment is maintained at a temperature below freezing to store food items and form ice, then the ice maker can effectively freeze water into ice pieces, but residual water at the outlet end of the water fill line freezes and forms ice dams that obstruct water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is applied locally to the plate at the outlet end of the water fill line, creating a localized warm zone (above 0°C) only where needed to prevent ice dam formation, while the rest of the freezer compartment remains below freezing for proper ice making and food storage
Solution Approach 2:
The plate acts as an intermediary component between the water fill line and the ice tray. By heating the plate, it serves as a thermal mediator that prevents water from freezing at the outlet end, allowing smooth water flow into the ice tray without forming ice dams
2Productivity
If the water fill line outlet is positioned above the ice tray to inject water, then water can be effectively delivered to the ice tray, but the cold environment causes water to freeze and spray, creating unwanted ice formations
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element creates a localized warm environment at the plate outlet end where water is delivered, preventing unwanted ice formations in the water delivery path while maintaining the overall cold environment needed for ice tray operation
3Reliability
If a heating element is added to the plate to prevent ice dam formation, then water flow is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated into the plate structure itself, merging the thermal control function with the existing water delivery component. This reduces overall device complexity compared to adding a separate heating assembly, as the plate serves dual purposes: structural support and thermal management
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 effectively prevents ice dams from forming, ensuring uninterrupted water flow and reducing the need for maintenance by keeping the plate temperature above freezing, thus enhancing the operational reliability of the ice maker.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element is disposed on the upper surface of the plate for applying heat to the plate thereby maintaining at least a portion of the plate at a temperature in excess of zero degrees Centigrade
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker is disposed within a freezer compartment. The ice maker includes a water fill assembly for conveying water from a source of pressurized water to an ice tray. The water fill assembly includes a water fill tube fluidly connected to the source of pressurized water. A removable fill and heater assembly includes a plate disposed above the ice tray of the ice maker. The plate has an opening positioned above the ice tray. A shroud extends from an upper surface of the plate and has an inlet end fluidly communicating with the water fill tube. An outlet end of the shroud directs water into the ice tray in a predetermined direction. A heating element is disposed on the upper surface of the plate for applying heat to the plate to maintain a portion of the plate at a temperature in excess of 0° C.