Ice Maker with Dual-Tray Segmentation for Multiple Ice Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice making devices in refrigerators are limited to producing a single type of ice and lack the capability to optimize water supply for generating different types of ice, leading to inefficiencies in ice separation and storage.
Innovation Solution
The ice making device includes separate trays and liquid supply systems for forming different types of ice, such as polygonal and spherical ice, with optimized nozzles and refrigerant pipes to enhance ice formation and separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single ice making cell is used, then the device structure is simple, but only one type of ice can be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The ice maker is divided into multiple independent ice making cells (first ice making cell and second ice making cell), each capable of producing different types of ice. The liquid supply system is also segmented into separate supply lines for each cell, allowing independent control of water supply to each cell type.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice maker structure is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating different types of ice making cells within a single device. The system can simultaneously produce cube ice, spherical ice, or other ice types by activating different cells, making the device universally applicable for various ice needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate liquid supply systems are used for different ice types, then water supply is optimized for each ice type, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each ice making cell is equipped with a dedicated liquid supply line with specific nozzle configurations optimized for that cell type. The first liquid supply line is optimized for cube ice formation while the second liquid supply line is optimized for spherical ice formation, providing localized quality control for each ice type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ice making cells are used, then different types of ice can be produced, but ice separation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ice making cells are spatially segmented and positioned at different locations within the ice maker. Each cell has its own discharge opening that directs ice into separate collection areas, making it easy to separate different ice types by simply opening the appropriate compartment or using separate storage bins.
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
Enables the production of multiple types of ice, improves ice separation performance, and allows for stable and efficient storage of different ice types, reducing separation time and minimizing interference during the liquid supply process.
Implementation Method 1
the water supplied to the ice making cell may be cooled by an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
high-temperature gas is supplied to the evaporator to heat the ice making cell, and at the same time, the water tray is tilted downward
Data Source
AI summary
An ice maker according to the present embodiment may comprise an ice making unit for making ice, provided in an ice making chamber. The ice maker may further comprise a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice making unit during the ice making process. The ice making unit may comprise a first tray having a first ice making cell in which first ice is formed. The ice making unit may further comprise a second tray having a second ice making cell in which second ice is formed.