Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers lack a reliable means to detect the completion of the ice making process, leading to potential inefficiencies and inconsistencies in ice production.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system that includes a temperature sensor integrated into the ice making process, allowing for precise detection of ice completion by monitoring the temperature of the trays and controlling the cold air supply and ice separation processes, while ensuring the sensor's optimal positioning and avoiding interference with electrical wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is added to detect ice making completion, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated into the existing tray structure, merging the detection function with the cooling component. This combination allows temperature detection without adding separate independent components, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray serves multiple functions: it acts as both the cooling surface for ice making and the mounting structure for the temperature sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure while enabling accurate temperature-based detection of ice making completion.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned close to the ice making cell for accurate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor may interfere with electrical wires
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is positioned at a specific location on the tray that is optimal for detecting ice making completion temperature. This localized positioning ensures accurate measurement of the relevant temperature zone while naturally avoiding proximity to electrical wire routing areas, thus eliminating interference risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray itself acts as an intermediary between the ice making cell and the temperature sensor. The sensor detects temperature through the tray material, which mediates the thermal transmission while allowing physical separation between the sensor and the ice making cell, thereby avoiding electrical interference issues.
3Ease of operation
If the second tray is made movable for ice separation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second tray is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position for ice separation. This dynamic design enables the tray to move to different locations (water supply position, ice making position, ice separation position) based on operational requirements, improving ease of operation while using a relatively simple mechanical linkage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice making system is divided into multiple trays (first tray and second tray) with distinct functions. The second tray can be independently moved for ice separation while the first tray remains stationary, segmenting the functionality and simplifying the overall mechanism by allowing independent movement of only the necessary component.
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 enhances the reliability of ice making completion detection, ensuring accurate timing and efficient ice production without interfering with electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor is in contact with at least one of the first tray or the second tray
Implementation Method 2
a first tray configured to define one portion of an ice making cell that is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice by cold air
Implementation Method 3
there is a problem in that there is no means for detecting a change in temperature due to cold air for cooling and heat transferred from the ice separation heater
Data Source
AI summary
The refrigerator includes: a first tray forming a part of ice-making cells which are where water changes phase into ice due to cold air; a second tray forming the other part of the ice-making cells; and a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water or ice in the ice-making cells, wherein the temperature sensor comes into contact with the first tray and/or the second tray.