Ice making device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice making devices have large and costly temperature sensors due to their design, which restricts their placement and increases the risk of the sensors falling off during the twisting operation, and they are not effective in monitoring temperatures without being influenced by cold air.
Innovation Solution
An ice making device with a temperature sensor that has a sealing coating layer exposed without an exterior case, covered by a flexible heat-insulating member, allowing for a smaller size and improved placement, and fixed securely to the ice making tray to prevent falling and cold air interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermistor with cylindrical head cover and sealing resin is used, then the temperature sensor provides reliable temperature monitoring, but the cost increases and the size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the cylindrical head cover and sealing resin from the thermistor structure, retaining only the essential temperature sensing elements. This simplification reduces both cost and size while maintaining the core temperature monitoring function through direct contact with the ice making tray.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a simpler, more cost-effective thermistor design that eliminates expensive protective housings and sealing materials. The simplified structure uses minimal components necessary for temperature sensing, reducing overall sensor cost and complexity.
2Reliability
If a large-sized thermistor is used, then the temperature monitoring is reliable, but the width of the groove-like recessed part needs to be wider
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the bulky cylindrical head cover, the patent significantly reduces the width of the thermistor, allowing it to fit into narrower groove-like recessed parts on the ice making tray bottom surface without compromising temperature monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin-film or minimal-structure approach to the thermistor housing, replacing the rigid cylindrical cover with a streamlined design that minimizes width while maintaining protective and functional requirements.
3Reliability
If a large-sized thermistor is used, then the temperature monitoring is reliable, but it is not easy to cover the thermistor with a thermistor protection sealer
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the cylindrical head cover and sealing resin structure, the patent removes the complexity of covering and sealing the thermistor. The simplified design requires no additional protection sealer, making the manufacturing process easier and more straightforward.
4Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is exposed without exterior case, then the size and cost are reduced, but the sensor may be influenced by cold air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible member as an intermediary between the exposed temperature sensor and the cold air environment. This flexible member provides thermal insulation and protection while allowing the sensor to remain externally accessible, blocking cold air interference without requiring a bulky exterior case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible insulating member to wrap or cover the exposed temperature sensor, providing a thin but effective barrier against cold air while maintaining the simplified sensor structure. This flexible covering protects the sensor without adding significant size or complexity.
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 solution reduces the cost and size of the temperature sensor, allows for better placement without widening the recessed parts, and effectively monitors water temperatures without cold air interference, ensuring accurate readings during ice making operations.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member covering the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making device is provided. In an ice making device, a convex part reflecting the shape of a recessed part for water storage is formed on a bottom surface of the ice making tray. A temperature sensor is in contact with a side wall of the convex part. The temperature sensor is covered with a flexible member. In addition, a cover member pressing the temperature sensor against the ice making tray is fixed to the bottom surface of the ice making tray through the flexible member. In the temperature sensor, a sealing coating layer is provided to cover a temperature detection chip, but an exterior case is not used.