Ice Maker Overflow Pan and External Shutoff Valve for Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice maker systems primarily focus on internal monitoring of water circulation and drainage processes, failing to detect leaks at connection points and plumbing interfaces, leading to undetected water accumulation and property damage.
Innovation Solution
An overflow pan with a sensor and an external water supply valve integrated with the ice maker's controller to provide comprehensive leak protection, detecting leaks externally and shutting off the water supply upstream of the ice maker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal monitoring systems are used to detect leaks, then operational aspects of water circulation can be monitored, but leaks at connection points and plumbing interfaces cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from internal monitoring (within the ice maker housing) to external monitoring (on the floor beneath the ice maker). The overflow pan and sensor assembly extend the detection zone into a new spatial dimension below the appliance, enabling detection of leaks that escape the internal housing through connection points and plumbing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow pan serves as an intermediary component that collects water leaking from the ice maker before it can cause damage to flooring and cabinetry. The pan acts as a buffer between the leak source and the surrounding environment, allowing the sensor to detect accumulated water while preventing direct contact with vulnerable structures.
2Loss of information
If conventional internal detection systems are used, then water circulation issues can be identified, but water accumulation in undetected areas occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting water accumulation in the overflow pan before significant damage can occur to flooring and cabinetry. The sensor triggers an alarm and can activate a shutoff valve to stop water flow at the source, preventing further accumulation and potential property damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors the overflow pan for water presence and provides feedback to the control system. When water is detected, the system responds by activating the alarm and potentially shutting off the water supply, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that prevents harm before it occurs.
3Reliability
If no external water supply valve is installed, then the system remains simple, but immediate water shutoff cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The external water supply valve is pre-installed upstream of the ice maker, ready to shut off water flow immediately when a leak is detected. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the sensor detects water in the overflow pan, the valve can close instantly without delay, stopping water supply at the source before significant damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The external water supply valve acts as an intermediary control device between the water main supply and the ice maker. It provides a remote shutoff point that can be actuated by the sensor system, allowing immediate termination of water flow without requiring manual intervention at the ice maker itself.
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
Enhances protection against property damage by addressing leaks at undetectable sources, ensuring immediate water shutoff and notification, reducing the risk of costly water damage.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may be a resistive sensor configured to detect water by measuring electrical resistance between sensor contacts
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a kit for an ice maker, an assembly of the ice maker and kit components, and methods of installing the kit and operating the ice maker. The kit includes an overflow pan, a sensor, and an external water supply valve. In use, the overflow pan is positioned below the cabinet, and the sensor is positioned in the overflow pan for detecting water in the overflow pan. The sensor is communicatively connected to the ice maker's controller. The external water supply valve is fluidly connected to the water system upstream of the ice maker and communicatively connected to the controller. The controller actuates the external water supply valve to shut off water supply to the ice maker in response to the sensor detecting water in the overflow pan.