Ice Making Assembly Filtration for Gravity-Driven Water Reuse

The patent applies preliminary action by filtering liquid water through a filter assembly before it is reused to make new ice nuggets. The filter assembly, positioned in the water supply line, proactively removes undesirable elements such as sediments, dirt, and bacteria from the recycled water, ensuring that the water used for making new ice nuggets is clean and free from contaminants that would otherwise accumulate through repeated recycling.

The patent applies self-service by designing a filtration system that operates passively without requiring external energy input. The filter assembly is positioned in the water supply line and utilizes the existing water pressure to drive filtration, eliminating the need for pump systems or electrically activated filtration mechanisms. This allows the system to improve water quality by removing undesirable elements while consuming minimal energy.

The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting liquid water from the ice storage environment. The filter assembly is positioned to intercept and filter liquid water before it can accumulate in the ice bucket and cause clumping of ice nuggets or damage to electrical components. By removing the harmful liquid water from the system, the patent maintains the storage capability for ice nuggets while preventing the negative effects of water accumulation.

The patent applies preliminary action by filtering and managing liquid water at an early stage in the water circulation path. The filter assembly is positioned in the water supply line to intercept and filter liquid water before it can accumulate in the ice bucket or reach the dispensing portion. This proactive approach prevents water accumulation that would be difficult to remove later, while also preventing dripping or flowing from the dispensing portion by ensuring water is properly filtered and managed upstream.