Ice maker for a refrigerator and method for synchronizing an implementation of an ice making cycle and an implementation of a defrost cycle of an evaporator in a refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice makers in refrigerators face inefficiencies due to airflow obstruction and vortex formation, which affect the ice-making process, and the implementation of defrost cycles can delay ice harvesting and raise ice temperatures, reducing overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an air handler with an outlet diffuser and a fan configuration that directs airflow linearly to the ice tray, and a method to synchronize the ice-making cycle with the defrost cycle, ensuring the defrost cycle does not overlap with the ice-making process, allowing for efficient cooling and reduced temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional fan configuration is used to direct airflow toward the ice tray, then the fan can provide cooling to the ice maker, but the airflow is obstructed and forms vortices that prevent the entire ice tray from being cooled uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-point airflow source to a distributed airflow system using multiple nozzles arranged in a circular pattern. This dimensional redistribution of airflow sources ensures that cool air reaches all areas of the ice tray simultaneously, eliminating vortices and temperature uniformity issues while maintaining high ice production efficiency.
2Reliability
If the defrost system operates while the ice maker is manufacturing ice pieces, then the evaporator can be kept free of frost, but the heat generated raises the temperature of the ice maker components and delays ice harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a synchronized periodic operation system where the defrost cycle and ice-making cycle are coordinated to operate alternately rather than simultaneously. The controller monitors the ice-making progress and schedules defrost operations during periods when ice harvesting is complete, ensuring the evaporator remains frost-free while minimizing temperature interference with ice production timing.
3Reliability
If the defrost system provides heat to the evaporator, then frost is removed from the evaporator, but the harvested ice pieces and structural components are inadvertently warmed requiring additional cooling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized heating during defrost operations, directing heat specifically to the evaporator surface where frost accumulates. The system uses targeted thermal application with spatial control, ensuring that only the necessary area (evaporator) receives heat treatment while minimizing thermal impact on surrounding ice-making components and harvested ice pieces.
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 enhances ice production efficiency by ensuring consistent airflow to the ice tray and optimizing the timing of defrost cycles, resulting in increased daily ice production rates and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The ice maker includes a fan configured to direct an airflow toward the ice tray
Implementation Method 2
Refrigerators that employ ice makers often include an evaporator that cools the air within the ice maker
Implementation Method 3
Such defrost systems provide heat to the evaporator to remove any frost formed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An ice maker (126) including an ice maker frame having an air inlet provided at a first end thereof. An ice tray (144) is rotatably secured to the ice maker frame and configured to form ice pieces therein. An air handler (142) includes an outlet diffuser having a central body defined by a first wall—and a radially spaced apart second wall, wherein a plurality of radially extending fins are disposed between the first and second walls. Each of the fins is spaced apart, one from the other, along an outer peripheral surface of the first wall. In an installed position, the outlet diffuser is disposed directly adjacent the air inlet at the first end of the ice maker frame. A method is provided for synchronizing an ice making cycle of an ice making unit and a defrost cycle of an evaporator.