Icemaker with BLDC Motor and Heater for Automated Ice Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require users to manually retrieve ice from the freezer compartment, leading to inconvenience and energy wastage due to door opening, which causes cold air leakage and increased compressor workload.
Innovation Solution
An icemaker with an ice tray, ejector, and heater, powered by a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, that automatically produces and separates ice, using a guide member to optimize cold air flow and a sensing system to manage ice production and storage efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional refrigerator uses manual ice retrieval from the freezer compartment, then the user can obtain ice, but the door must be opened causing cold air leakage and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The icemaker automatically detects ice level in the freezer compartment and ejects ice cubes on demand without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates by sensing when ice is needed and performing the ejection cycle, thereby eliminating the need for manual door opening and ice retrieval while preventing energy loss from cold air leakage.
2Ease of operation
If the door is opened to retrieve ice from the freezer compartment, then the user can access ice, but the compressor workload increases due to temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic icemaker system monitors ice levels and autonomously ejects ice cubes when needed, eliminating the need for manual door opening. This self-service mechanism maintains freezer temperature stability and prevents unnecessary compressor activation, thereby reducing energy consumption and compressor workload.
3Extent of automation
If an automatic icemaker is implemented, then ice supply is automated and convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The icemaker integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the heating element is positioned to simultaneously heat the ice tray and melt ice cubes, the ejector mechanism combines rotation and ejection functions, and the sensor system integrates level detection with control logic. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining automation.
4Ease of operation
If the heater continuously heats the ice tray to facilitate ice separation, then ice ejection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only during the ice ejection cycle when the ejector rotates to dislodge ice cubes from the tray. After ejection, the heater turns off. This periodic operation provides sufficient heat for ice separation while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating during ice formation and storage phases.
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 icemaker provides convenient, energy-efficient ice production and storage, reducing user effort and energy consumption by automating ice supply and minimizing cold air leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a heater arranged to contact the ice tray and that is configured to facilitate separation of ice from the ice tray by selectively heating the ice tray
Implementation Method 2
a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor that is mounted in the case and that is configured to selectively rotate the ejector in forward and reverse directions
Implementation Method 3
an ice tray configured to receive water and store the received water in a manner that allows the stored water to freeze into ice
Data Source
AI summary
An icemaker includes an ice tray configured to receive water, an ejector configured to rotate to eject ice made in the ice tray, and a heater arranged to contact the ice tray and configured to facilitate separation of ice from the ice tray by selectively heating the ice tray. The icemaker also includes a case mounted to a side of the ice tray and a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor mounted in the case and configured to selectively rotate the ejector in forward and reverse directions.