Ice Mold Cooling With Heat Transfer Fluid After Harvest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice maker systems face a slowdown in ice production due to the need for the ice mold to cool down after each harvest cycle, as the heat used to separate ice from the mold slows down the subsequent ice formation process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a heat transfer fluid to rapidly cool the ice mold after harvesting, where a heating element separates the ice from the mold and an ice mold rotator assembly rotates the mold to allow the heat transfer fluid to contact the mold, speeding up the cooling process and preparing it for the next ice formation cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are used to separate ice from the ice mold, then ice harvesting is achieved, but the ice mold cooling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heating and cooling functions into distinct components: a heating element for ice release and a heat transfer fluid system for mold cooling. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function and enables parallel operation of heating and cooling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat transfer fluid (such as water or glycol) is introduced as an intermediary substance to facilitate rapid heat removal from the mold. The fluid absorbs excess heat from the mold during harvesting and can be quickly replaced or circulated, enabling faster thermal recovery compared to passive air cooling.
2Reliability
If the ice mold is cooled down after harvesting, then ice formation can begin again, but the production cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares the cooling mechanism in advance by having the heat transfer fluid ready in a reservoir and the cooling pathways pre-established. When harvesting occurs, cooling can begin immediately without waiting for natural heat dissipation, thus preliminary preparation of the cooling system enables faster cycle recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes a hydraulic system where heat transfer fluid is pumped through channels in or around the ice mold. This active fluid circulation system provides controlled and rapid heat removal, replacing passive thermal conduction and significantly reducing the time required to cool the mold between production cycles.
3Reliability
If heat is applied to the ice mold for harvesting, then ice separation is achieved, but the overall cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of heat accumulation (which slows down subsequent ice formation) into a beneficial process by actively managing it through heat transfer fluid circulation. The heat generated during harvesting is captured and rapidly removed, transforming what would be a detrimental thermal state into a controlled transition that prepares the mold for the next cycle.
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 approach enables a 'rapid recovery' ice maker system by quickly cooling the ice mold, thereby shortening the overall time for both ice formation and harvesting cycles, allowing for continuous and efficient ice production.
Implementation Method 1
heating an ice mold body to separate ice formed in the ice mold body from the ice mold body
Implementation Method 2
contacting at least a portion of the ice mold body with a heat transfer fluid to cool the ice mold body
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for ice maker systems are disclosed. One exemplary method comprises the steps of: heating an ice mold body to separate ice formed in the ice mold body from the ice mold body; releasing the separated ice from the ice mold body; and contacting at least a portion of the ice mold body with a heat transfer fluid to cool the ice mold body.