Ice Maker Tray Sensor Layout to Limit Heater Heat Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers face issues with temperature sensor accuracy due to heat interference from heaters and complex structures, leading to inefficient ice transfer and potential wire disconnection during rotation.
Innovation Solution
An ice maker design with a temperature sensor accommodated in a recessed groove on the upper tray, positioned closer to the contact surface than the heater, and supported by installation ribs to prevent twisting and improve accuracy, while maintaining easy installation and minimizing heat impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned close to the heater for accurate sensing, then temperature detection capability is improved, but heat interference causes deterioration of sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a groove structure as an intermediary element between the temperature sensor and the heater. The groove physically separates the sensor from the heat source while maintaining close proximity for accurate sensing, acting as a thermal barrier that prevents direct heat transfer to the sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the temperature sensor in a groove that extends in the vertical dimension, placing the sensor at a lower height than the heater. This vertical separation creates spatial distance in the height direction while maintaining horizontal proximity, effectively reducing heat interference through dimensional positioning
2Productivity
If the lower tray is made rotatable for easy ice transfer, then ice transfer efficiency is improved, but wires connected to rotating components may twist and disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensor and its wiring from the rotating lower tray assembly and relocates them to the stationary upper tray assembly. This separation ensures that wires remain stationary and connected to fixed components, eliminating the twisting and disconnection problems that would occur with rotating wire connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the ice maker into distinct rotating and stationary segments. The lower tray is designed as a separate rotatable component for ice transfer, while the temperature sensor and its connections are isolated in the stationary upper portion, allowing independent movement of each segment without compromising wire integrity
3Reliability
If the temperature sensor is mounted on the upper tray for fixed positioning, then wire twisting is prevented, but mounting interference with the heater may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized groove structure on the upper tray specifically designed to accommodate the temperature sensor. This local modification provides a dedicated mounting space that prevents interference with the heater while ensuring stable sensor positioning and wire connection
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 temperature sensing accuracy, prevents wire disconnection, and simplifies the installation process, ensuring efficient ice transfer and production without heat-induced deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to sense temperature of the upper tray or the ice chamber
Implementation Method 2
an upper heater configured to provide heat to the upper tray
Implementation Method 3
The lower tray may rotate with respect to the upper tray
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an ice maker and a refrigerator having the ice maker. An ice maker according to the present disclosure includes: an upper assembly including an upper tray forming an upper chamber, which is a portion an ice chamber, and having an upper opening, and a temperature sensor configured to sense temperature of the ice chamber in contact with the upper tray; and a lower assembly being rotatable with respect to the upper assembly and having a lower tray forming a lower chamber that is another portion of the ice chamber, in which a contact portion between the temperature sensor and the upper tray is positioned closer to a contact surface of the upper tray and the lower tray than the upper opening.