Ice making device and method of inspecting the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice making devices cannot perform inspection of the temperature sensor until they are attached to the refrigerator main body, as the signal line from the temperature sensor is not connected to the outside control unit, limiting pre-installation inspection capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The ice making device includes a drive unit with a connected signal line from the temperature sensor, which allows for automatic sensor inspection using a sensor inspection unit, enabling inspection even when the device is not mounted in the refrigerator, utilizing a control unit and AC-DC converter for self-sufficiency in performing inspection processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the signal line from the temperature sensor is connected to an external control unit through a connector, then inspection of the temperature sensor can be performed before mounting, but the device complexity and mounting difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidsignal line connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is integrated directly into the ice making device rather than being external. The signal line from the temperature sensor is connected to this integrated control unit, allowing inspection to be performed before mounting without requiring external connectors or complex wiring structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ice making device performs self-inspection of the temperature sensor through its integrated control unit. The device can autonomously execute inspection routines without requiring external inspection equipment or complex external connections, simplifying both the device structure and the inspection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the control unit is provided in the refrigerator main body outside the ice making device, then inspection can be performed through the connector, but the ease of operation and mounting are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor inspection capabilityVSAvoidmounting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is merged with the ice making device, creating a self-contained unit that can perform temperature sensor inspection independently. This integration eliminates the need for complex external connections during mounting while maintaining full inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ice making device with integrated control unit performs self-inspection of its temperature sensor without requiring external equipment. This self-service capability simplifies the mounting process and improves ease of operation while ensuring reliable inspection before the device is put into service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the signal line is not drawn to the outside of the ice making device, then the device structure is simplified, but inspection of the temperature sensor cannot be performed until mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal line structureVSAvoidinspection timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is integrated into the ice making device structure, with the temperature sensor signal line connected internally. This merging allows the device to maintain a simple structure without external signal lines while still enabling pre-mounting inspection through the integrated control unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control unit enables the ice making device to perform self-inspection of the temperature sensor without requiring external connections or complex signal line routing. This self-service inspection capability resolves the contradiction by allowing inspection to be performed early in the installation process while maintaining device structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10969151B2Ice making device and method of inspecting the same

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 SANKYO SEIKI MFG CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are an ice making device and a method of inspecting the same. In the ice making device, signal lines extending from a temperature sensor are connected to a drive unit. The drive unit performs an ice removal process of removing ice from an ice making tray when a temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a set temperature. The drive unit performs a sensor inspection process of automatically inspecting whether the temperature sensor is abnormal based on an inspection execution command issued by an operation of a test switch during general processes including supplying water to the ice making tray and an ice making process. Thus, inspection of a drive mechanism of the drive unit and inspection of the temperature sensor can be performed in a series of operations.