Ice Storage Reservoir With Water Tank Noise And Heat Buffer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice storage and making apparatuses fail to reduce noise transmission externally when ice is moved from the ice making unit to the ice reservoir and also allow ice to change in size or shape due to heat transmission.
Innovation Solution
An ice storage apparatus with a noise reduction unit that includes a tank filled with cold water to attenuate noise and minimize heat transfer, where the tank is positioned to house at least a portion of the ice reservoir, and an ice making unit with an evaporator and thermoelectric module to produce and manage ice effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ice is moved from the ice making unit to the ice reservoir, then ice storage function is achieved, but noise is transmitted externally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a noise reduction unit as an intermediary component between the ice making unit and the ice reservoir. This unit includes a tank filled with liquid (water or gel) that absorbs and attenuates noise generated during ice movement, preventing noise transmission to the exterior while maintaining the ice storage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise reduction unit is nested within the overall ice making apparatus structure. The tank containing the liquid is positioned to surround or enclose portions of the ice reservoir, creating a nested configuration where the noise reduction unit is integrated into the existing apparatus without compromising the ice storage capability.
2Temperature
If heat is transmitted to the ice stored in the ice reservoir, then thermal exchange occurs, but ice changes in size or shape
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction unit, containing liquid in a tank, serves as a thermal barrier between the external environment and the ice reservoir. This intermediary structure reduces heat transmission to the stored ice, maintaining ice stability in terms of size and shape while still allowing necessary thermal exchange for ice making operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the physical properties of the liquid in the noise reduction unit (such as specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity) to control heat transfer parameters. By selecting appropriate liquids and configuring the tank structure, the system optimizes thermal protection for stored ice while maintaining operational efficiency.
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 effectively reduces noise transmission and minimizes heat-induced changes in ice size or shape, ensuring quieter operation and better ice preservation.
Implementation Method 1
a tank, in which at least a portion of the ice reservoir is positioned, storing a liquid having a predetermined level for attenuating noise
Implementation Method 2
The tank may include a cooling unit cooling water
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator in which a refrigerant flows; an immersion member connected to the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
a thermoelectric module in which heat is transmitted from one side thereof to the other side thereof when power is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an ice storage apparatus that may include an ice reservoir having ice stored therein, the ice being made in an ice making unit, and a noise reduction unit for reducing noise transmitted externally when the ice is moved from the ice making unit to the ice reservoir.