Ice Maker Time-Based Release Control for Detection Unit Malfunction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ice makers face issues in forming ice of the intended size due to malfunctioning detection units, such as gyration members and sensors, which can lead to incorrect determination of ice formation levels, causing failure in releasing ice at the right time.
Innovation Solution
An ice making method that includes an ice release time determination step based on a pre-set maximum and minimum ice making time, allowing for automatic release of ice after a certain period if the detection unit fails to detect the intended level, ensuring ice is released within a predetermined timeframe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection unit (sensor and gyration member) is used to detect ice formation level, then ice size detection precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to malfunction from foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The controller stores the start time of ice formation in advance, and uses this pre-stored time information to determine ice release timing when the detection unit malfunctions. This preliminary action of storing time data enables the system to operate reliably even when the sensor fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that combines both the detection unit's signal and the pre-stored time information to make the final ice release decision. When the detection unit malfunctions, the controller switches to using time-based determination, thus mediating between the two approaches.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ice maker waits for detection unit confirmation before releasing ice, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases when detection unit malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-stores the start time of ice formation and calculates the duration of ice formation. This preliminary time recording allows the system to quickly determine when to release ice without waiting for potentially malfunctioning detection signals, thus reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice release determination mechanism dynamically switches between detection-unit-based timing and time-duration-based timing depending on whether the detection unit is functioning properly. This dynamic adaptation optimizes both precision and time efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the detection unit continuously monitors ice formation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it processes detection unit signals when functioning, stores start time information, calculates ice formation duration, and makes release decisions based on either method. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal time-keeping capability to determine ice release timing when the external detection unit fails. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional backup detection components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
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 method ensures that ice is released when a certain period has lapsed, even if the detection unit malfunctions, thereby ensuring ice of the intended size is produced, preventing failures in ice formation and release.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmission member S1, according to the gyration of the gyration member C, may be reflected by the electromagnetic wave reflective member Cb of the gyration member C and received by the electromagnetic wave reception member S2
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an ice making method capable of forming ice to an intended level although a sensing unit configured to sense whether or not a formation of ice has reached the intended level malfunctions. The ice making method includes: an ice making initiation step S100 of forming ice by an ice formation unit; an ice release time determining step S200 of determining a point in time at which ice is to be released in consideration of a signal from a detection unit for detecting whether the formation of ice has reached an intended level and an ice making lapse time which has lapsed after the formation of ice was initiated by the ice formation unit; and an ice releasing step S300 of releasing the formed ice when a point in time at which ice is to be released is determined in the ice releasing time determining step.