Ice Maker Splash Screen to Prevent Water Entry and Ice Melt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice makers suffer from reduced efficiency and ice quality due to water splashing into the ice storage unit during the separation process, leading to melted ice and decreased output.
Innovation Solution
A splash screen apparatus is introduced, featuring a screen above the chute that separates ice from water, with slits smaller than the ice size to prevent water from entering the ice storage unit, and a rotatable design to ensure efficient ice transfer while blocking water, utilizing an insulating layer and protruding pin for structural support and controlled rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If water and ice are dropped together from the ice making portion, then the separation process can be simplified, but water splashes into the ice storage unit causing ice melt and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A water/ice separating portion is introduced as an intermediary device between the ice making portion and the ice storage unit. This separator uses slits smaller than the ice size to allow water to pass through while blocking ice, effectively mediating the separation process and preventing water from splashing into the ice storage unit
Solution Approach 2:
The space between the ice making portion and ice storage unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: a water/ice separating portion with slits for initial separation, and a chute for controlled ice transfer. This segmentation allows water and ice to be separated at different locations, preventing water splash while maintaining simple overall structure
2Device complexity
If water is allowed to pass through the separation process, then the separation structure can be simpler, but ice output per amount of supplied water decreases due to water loss
Solution Approach 1:
The water/ice separating portion acts as an intermediary that selectively passes water through slits while blocking ice. This mediator structure is relatively simple in design but highly effective at preventing water loss, thereby improving ice output efficiency without requiring complex separation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The slits in the water/ice separating portion have a specific local quality - their size is precisely controlled to be smaller than the ice size. This local dimensional characteristic allows the structure to selectively pass water while blocking ice, achieving efficient separation with a simple geometric feature rather than a complex mechanism
3Reliability
If a screen is added to stop water from entering the ice storage unit, then ice quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water/ice separating portion with slits serves as the primary intermediary that prevents water from reaching the ice storage unit. By placing this separator at the appropriate location and using slit dimensions smaller than ice size, the system achieves water blocking functionality without requiring an additional screen structure
Solution Approach 2:
The water/ice separating portion performs multiple functions: it separates water from ice, prevents water splash into the ice storage unit, and guides ice through the chute. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate water-blocking screens, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring ice quality
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
The apparatus enhances ice manufacturing efficiency by preventing water from entering the ice storage unit, thus reducing ice melt and improving ice quality, allowing for increased ice production with the same amount of water.
Implementation Method 1
a screen disposed above the chute and passing ice separated by the water/ice separating portion into the ice storage unit, but stopping water from being introduced into the ice storage unit
Implementation Method 2
A side surface of the ice making portion may be surrounded by an insulating layer
Data Source
AI summary
A splash screen apparatus for an ice maker includes an ice making portion for making ice, a water/ice separating portion separating water and ice dropped from the ice making portion, and an ice storage unit connected with the water/ice separating portion through a chute. The ice storage unit stores ice separated by the water/ice separating portion. The apparatus further includes a screen disposed above the chute and ice separated by the water/ice separating portion is passed into the ice storage unit and water is stopped from being introduced into the ice storage unit.