Ice Maker Storing Bowl Position Detection Using Magnetic Field Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers for household refrigeration appliances face challenges in securely positioning the storing bowl to prevent cold air leakage and maintain optimal storage conditions.
Innovation Solution
An ice maker design featuring a housing with a position identifier, including a capturing sensor and a magnet, which allows for precise detection of the storing bowl's final position without physical contact, integrated with a control electronic circuit board for secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical position detection system is used to detect the storing bowl position, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position detection systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the storing bowl and a Hall sensor (capturing sensor) is integrated into the control electronic to detect the bowl's position without mechanical contact, thereby maintaining high positioning reliability while reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the storing bowl and the control electronic. The magnet on the storing bowl generates a magnetic field that the Hall sensor detects, enabling non-contact position detection and eliminating the need for direct mechanical coupling or complex mechanical sensors
2Ease of operation
If the circuit board is positioned in the rear area of the ice maker, then the storing bowl can be easily inserted, but the capturing sensor cannot effectively detect the bowl's final position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by moving the control electronic with the capturing sensor into the depth direction (front-to-rear dimension) rather than only considering lateral positioning. The control electronic is arranged in the front area in depth direction, allowing the Hall sensor to detect the magnet on the storing bowl from the front, while the storing bowl can still be easily inserted from the top without obstruction
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 solution effectively shields the ice maker's interior from the environment, ensuring secure positioning of the storing bowl and maintaining optimal storage conditions, enhancing the ice maker's efficiency and reducing electronic complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a position identifier, by which the position of the storing bowl can be captured, wherein the position identifier comprises a capturing sensor
Implementation Method 2
the capturing sensor is arranged on the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An ice maker for installation in a household refrigeration apparatus includes a housing with an opening, a storing bowl for ice, wherein the storing bowl is formed with an opening, which is accessible from the top. The storing bowl can be inserted into the housing through the opening of the housing and the storing bowl is arranged in a final position at the housing in the inserted state. A position identifier captures the position of the storing bowl, wherein the position identifier includes a capturing sensor. A control electronic, which is arranged in a front area in depth direction of the ice maker, includes a circuit board. The capturing sensor is arranged on the circuit board.