Icemaker Tray Twist Control Using Gear Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current icemaker control circuits are inefficient and cost-ineffective, relying on complex mechanical parts and requiring complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gear connected to an icetray and a motor, with an optical sensor that detects the gear's rotation, allowing the icetray to twist away from its home position to dislodge ice using a thyristor-based motor control circuit that eliminates the need for heat and reduces mechanical stress, utilizing a capacitive power supply and zero cross detection for efficient DC motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical parts are used in icemaker control circuits, then the icemaker can perform ice harvesting functions, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control circuits with a simplified mechanical system consisting of a motor, gear, and optical sensor. The motor drives the gear which directly rotates the icetray, eliminating the need for complex mechanical control circuits while maintaining the ice harvesting function. The optical sensor provides simple optical detection instead of complex mechanical sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex mechanical parts from the icemaker control system. By using a direct motor-gear-icetray drive mechanism, the design removes intermediate complex control circuits and mechanical linkages, reducing overall device complexity while preserving the essential ice harvesting functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional motor control circuits are used, then the icetray can be rotated for ice harvesting, but energy consumption increases and mechanical stress rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using an optical sensor to detect the gear's rotational position and control the motor to rotate the icetray only when needed for ice harvesting. The motor operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, rotating the icetray to dislodge ice cubes and then stopping, which significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional continuous or frequently-actuated motor control circuits.
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 provides a reliable, low-energy, and cost-effective icemaker control system with reduced mechanical stress, improved motor life, and adaptable ice cube size options, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of ice harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor that detects when the gear has rotated the slot over the optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
a motor so that when the motor rotates the gear, the icetray twists
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a gear having at least one slot, wherein the gear is connected to an icetray and a motor so that when the motor rotates the gear, the icetray twists, and an optical sensor that detects when the gear has rotated the slot over the optical sensor. The icetray twists while the gear is rotated in a first direction away from a home position to a reverse twist position. The rotation of gear then reverses to twist the icetray to a harvest position in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction until ice in the icetray is dislodged.