Oscillation-Driven Ice Maker Pump for Shared Motor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers in refrigerators are inefficient in terms of energy usage, as they require separate power sources for rocking motion and cooling fluid circulation, especially when the ice maker is remotely located from the freezer compartment.
Innovation Solution
A single power source is used to provide both the rocking motion and pumping of cooling fluid through an oscillation pump with a bladder, check valves, and a thermoelectric cooler, allowing the ice maker's oscillation to compress and relieve the bladder, creating a circular flow of cooling media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single power source is used to provide both rocking motion and pumping of cooling fluid, then energy efficiency is improved and device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of each individual function may be compromised due to shared power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rocking motion mechanism and the cooling fluid pumping mechanism into a single integrated system driven by one power source. The oscillating ice maker simultaneously performs both functions: rocking the ice mold and pumping cooling fluid through the bladder pump, thereby eliminating the need for separate power sources and reducing overall system complexity while improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The single power source is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the oscillating motion needed for ice formation and the pumping action required for cooling fluid circulation. The oscillating ice maker acts as a multi-functional component that simultaneously drives both the rocking motion and the fluid pumping through its cyclic compression and expansion of the bladder
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ice maker is located remotely from the freezer compartment, then design flexibility is improved, but the complexity of cooling fluid circulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating ice maker serves dual purposes: it not only forms ice through rocking motion but also actively pumps cooling fluid through its integrated bladder pump mechanism. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate pumping systems and long fluid circulation lines, thereby reducing system complexity even when the ice maker is remotely located from the freezer compartment
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 energy efficiency by eliminating the need for separate power sources for rocking and pumping, effectively circulating cooling fluid to freeze ice while maintaining the necessary oscillation for clear ice production.
Implementation Method 1
oscillation of the icemaker compresses and relieves the bladder in a cyclical manner
Implementation Method 2
creates a circular flow of fluid in the bladder and moves fluid from the bladder to and from the cooling media reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a first check valve and a second one way check valve positioned such that oscillation of the icemaker compresses and relieves the bladder
Implementation Method 4
a thermoelectric cooler or a cold sink may be in contact with the cooling media reservoir
Implementation Method 5
a thermoelectric cooler or a cold sink may be in contact with the cooling media reservoir
Implementation Method 6
motor operatively connected to the ice maker and configured to provide oscillating movement to the ice maker
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a pump fluidly connected to the ice maker and configured for pumping cooling media to the ice maker, and a motor operatively connected to the ice maker and configured to provide oscillating movement to the ice maker. The pump is operatively connected to the motor such that driving of the motor results in the pumping of the cooling media with the pump.