Ice Maker Motor Reversal for Ice Bin Full Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with ice makers require unnecessary processes to detect the ice full state, involving ice movement and heating, which consume energy and are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control method that uses the ice making motor to rotate in both directions to check and release the ice full state without moving ice, eliminating the need for separate ice heating and moving processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ice making motor rotates in the ice moving direction to detect ice full state, then the ice full state can be detected, but unnecessary ice movement and heating processes are required which consume energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex ice movement and heating process. By using the ice full state sensing lever to directly detect whether the ice storage is full, the system removes the unnecessary ice movement and heating steps, achieving accurate detection with minimal energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice making motor serves multiple functions: it not only moves ice from the ice maker to the ice storage but also rotates the ice full state sensing lever to enable detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms and reduces overall energy consumption by consolidating operations.
2Measurement precision
If separate ice heating and moving processes are used to detect ice full state, then detection can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ice full state detection function with the existing ice making motor and sensing lever mechanism. The sensing lever is integrated into the motor's rotational path, allowing the same motor that moves ice to also drive the detection mechanism, thereby simplifying the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice full state sensing lever automatically detects the ice full state through its own pivotable movement without requiring external heating or complex moving processes. The lever's position changes naturally in response to ice storage levels, enabling self-service detection that reduces system complexity.
3Reliability
If the ice making motor rotates in opposite direction after detecting ice full state, then the ice full state can be released, but additional rotation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reverse rotation of the ice making motor to release the ice full state after detection. When the sensing lever indicates the ice storage is full, the motor rotates in the opposite direction to return the lever to its initial position, thereby releasing the ice full state and allowing the ice maker to resume operation. This inversion method ensures reliable state release while minimizing additional time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator and a control method thereof to control a rotational direction of an ice making motor to detect an ice full state of an ice storage without separating the ice from the ice maker. The refrigerator includes an ice making tray making ice therein, an ejector separating the ice, an ice storage storing the separated ice, an ice full state sensing lever detecting the ice full state of the ice storage, an ice making motor driving the ejector and the ice full state sensing lever, and a controller detecting the ice full state by driving the ice full state sensing lever by rotating the ice making motor in an ice moving direction, and detecting release of the ice full state by driving the ice full state sensing lever by rotating the ice making motor in the opposite direction after the ice full state is detected.