Ice maker, refrigerator, and method for controlling the refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers produce ice cubes that are often connected or have shapes influenced by connection grooves, leading to inefficiencies in ice distribution and separation.
Innovation Solution
The ice maker design includes an ice tray with ice-making cells arranged in columns, where each column has varying bottom surface heights and connection portions, allowing water distribution without channels and facilitating smooth movement and separation of ice cubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connection grooves are used to connect adjacent cavities for water supply, then water can move easily between cavities, but ice cubes become connected or retain groove shapes after freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the connection groove structure from the ice tray design. Instead of using grooves to connect cavities for water supply, the patent employs a water channel system that distributes water to each cavity independently, preventing ice cubes from becoming connected or retaining groove imprints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the water distribution system into separate channels for each cavity, rather than using a continuous connection groove. This segmentation ensures that water reaches each cavity independently without creating connections between adjacent ice cubes.
2Quantity of substance
If water channels are used to distribute water to ice-making cells, then water can reach all cells, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the water channel structure with the ice tray body, integrating the distribution system into the tray's overall design. The channels are formed as part of the tray structure rather than as separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining comprehensive water distribution coverage.
3Productivity
If ice is made in connected cavities, then water supply is efficient, but ice separation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the connection structure between cavities, allowing ice cubes to form independently in each cavity. This extraction of the connecting element enables easy separation of ice cubes while maintaining efficient water supply through the integrated channel system.
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 design ensures even water distribution, increases ice-making speed, and enables seamless separation of ice cubes, even when the refrigerator is inclined.
Implementation Method 1
an ice maker configured to receive cold air for cooling the storage compartment so as to make ice
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes: a cabinet provided with a storage compartment; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and an ice maker configured to receive cold air for cooling the storage compartment so as to make ice, wherein the ice maker includes an ice tray comprising a plurality of ice-making cells configured to make ice, and the plurality of ice-making cells are arranged in a plurality of columns, each column comprising two or more ice-making cells, and bottom surfaces of the ice-making cells have different heights for each column.