Icemaker Compartment Temperature Control to Prevent Ice Clumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerators, especially in 'bottom freezer' types, the icemaker compartment in the fresh food section lacks controlled coolant distribution, leading to inconsistent ice formation and melting, as the temperature within the ice storage bin is not monitored or controlled, resulting in clumping of ice which hinders dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a controller that activates and increases the operation of the compressor and coolant pump during icemaking cycles to maintain the icemaker compartment temperature below freezing, using a temperature sensor to monitor and adjust the cooling rate, ensuring consistent ice production and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor and coolant pump operate independently without coordinated control, then the system structure is simple, but the icemaker compartment temperature is not properly maintained causing ice melting and clumping
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically coordinates the operation of the compressor and coolant pump based on real-time temperature feedback from the icemaker compartment. The controller adjusts the coolant pump operation duration and frequency according to the temperature sensor readings, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to changing thermal conditions rather than using fixed independent operation schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor continuously monitors the icemaker compartment temperature and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to adjust the coolant pump and compressor operation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains temperature within the desired range and prevents ice melting and clumping.
2Productivity
If the coolant pump operates at full capacity continuously, then ice production rate is maximized, but energy consumption increases and temperature control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant pump operates dynamically with variable duration and frequency based on real-time temperature conditions. During periods when the icemaker compartment requires more cooling (higher temperature), the pump operates longer and more frequently. When the temperature is adequate, the pump reduces operation, optimizing the balance between ice production rate and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic cooling cycles where the coolant pump operates intermittently rather than continuously. The controller activates the pump in periodic bursts based on temperature thresholds, allowing the system to maintain adequate ice production while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous full-capacity operation.
3Reliability
If the icemaker compartment is cooled continuously, then ice melting is prevented, but the temperature may drop too low causing operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor provides continuous feedback on the icemaker compartment temperature, allowing the controller to maintain the temperature within an optimal range. When the temperature approaches the upper threshold, cooling is activated; when it reaches the lower threshold, cooling is reduced or stopped. This feedback control prevents both ice melting and excessive temperature drop, maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the cooling parameter (coolant pump operation duration and frequency) based on the current temperature state. Rather than maintaining constant cooling, the system adjusts the cooling intensity to match the thermal conditions, ensuring the temperature remains within the optimal range for ice storage without dropping too low and causing operational inefficiency.
4Reliability
If no temperature monitoring is implemented in the ice storage bin, then the system is simple, but ice cubes melt and clump together hindering dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor in the ice storage bin provides continuous temperature feedback to the controller. This feedback enables the system to detect when the temperature rises toward the melting point and activate the coolant pump to restore proper cooling, preventing ice cube melting and clumping while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
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 solution ensures continuous cooling of the icemaker compartment, preventing ice melting and clumping, thereby maintaining a consistent supply of ice and increasing ice production rates during high demand.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerator is provided with an evaporator or cooling coil that receives coolant from the refrigerator in a closed loop configuration where the coolant is expanded to a low pressure and temperature state for circulation through the heat exchanger to cool the space and objects within the refrigeration device
Implementation Method 2
the cooling system of a refrigerator includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device
Implementation Method 3
The thermoelectric device heats the ice mold body to a temperature above the freezing point of water so that the ice cubes melt slightly and can be ejected by an ejection mechanism more easily
Implementation Method 4
a small stream of air from the freezer compartment acts as a coolant for the heat released from the thermoelectric device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling temperature for forming ice within an icemaker compartment of a refrigerator is disclosed. The method includes the steps of activating at least one of the compressor and the coolant pump during an icemaking cycle to provide cooling to the icemaker compartment sufficient to make ice at a first rate, and increasing operation of at least one of the compressor and the coolant pump to provide cooling to the icemaker compartment sufficient to make ice at a second rate, which is faster than the first rate. A related refrigerator is also disclosed.