Ice making assemblies for making clear ice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice making appliances produce cloudy or opaque ice due to trapped impurities and gases, and require larger ice billets that are inefficient and prone to cracking, making it difficult to produce clear and large ice cubes or spheres efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An ice making appliance with a mold assembly comprising a conductive ice mold and insulation jacket, where the mold cavity is designed to prevent impurities and gases from getting trapped, and includes a system for controlled ice release using fluid channels for ice-reducing sprays to facilitate the formation of clear ice billets without cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large ice billet is formed in typical ice making appliances, then the final ice cube or sphere can be substantially clear, but the process is inefficient and increases the amount of time and energy required
Solution Approach 1:
The ice making process is divided into two distinct phases: a rapid freezing phase that forms the ice billet structure, and a subsequent clearing phase that removes impurities. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently - rapid formation for efficiency, then targeted clearing for clarity without requiring excessive oversizing of the initial billet.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold cavity is pre-designed with specific geometric features and surface properties that prevent impurity entrapment during the initial freezing phase. The cavity geometry and surface treatment are prepared in advance to guide impurity migration pathways, so that when freezing occurs, impurities are naturally directed toward escape routes rather than being trapped in the ice structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a large ice billet is formed in typical ice making appliances, then clear ice can be achieved, but the risk of cracking increases due to significant temperature gradient
Solution Approach 1:
The mold cavity employs local quality variations through non-uniform surface finish and strategically positioned thermal features. Different regions of the cavity have different thermal characteristics - some areas promote rapid freezing while others allow controlled impurity migration. This localized control enables clear ice formation without creating excessive temperature gradients that would cause cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts freezing parameters during the ice making process. The cooling rate, water flow rate, and mold temperature are modified in real-time based on the freezing stage. During the clearing phase, parameters are adjusted to maintain structural integrity while removing impurities, preventing thermal shock and cracking.
3Productivity
If rapid freezing is used to form ice cube surfaces, then a dull or cloudy finish forms on the exterior surfaces, but the process is faster
Solution Approach 1:
The ice making process uses periodic action with distinct stages: an initial rapid freezing stage that forms the ice structure efficiently, followed by a clearing stage that improves surface quality. The system periodically adjusts cooling intensity and water flow to transition between these stages, achieving both speed and quality without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The clearing phase operates continuously after the initial freezing, maintaining optimal conditions for impurity removal and surface clarification. Water flow and cooling are sustained at levels that promote clear ice formation without disrupting the already-formed ice structure, ensuring continuous improvement of surface quality throughout the process.
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
The appliance efficiently produces clear ice billets by preventing impurity trapping and ensuring even heat distribution, reducing the risk of cracking and energy consumption, while allowing for precise control over ice formation and release.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigeration system to cool the mold cavity
Implementation Method 2
a heating element positioned adjacent to the mold cavity and operable to melt the ice billet
Implementation Method 3
a spray system positioned adjacent to the mold cavity and operable to spray water or air thereonto
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An ice making assembly (102) comprising a conductive ice mold (160), an insulation jacket (162), and a water dispenser (132). The conductive ice mold (160) may define an upper portion (136A) of a mold cavity (136) extending from a top end (164) to a bottom end (166). The insulation jacket (162) may extend downward from the conductive ice mold (160). The insulation jacket (162) may define a lower portion (136B) of the mold cavity (136). The lower portion (136B) of the mold cavity (136) may be a vertically open passage aligned with the upper portion (136A) of the mold cavity (136). The water dispenser (132) may be positioned below the insulation jacket (162) to direct an ice-building spray of water to the mold cavity (136) through the vertically open passage of the insulation jacket (162).