Integrated ice maker pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers in refrigerators are inefficient in terms of energy usage, as they require separate power sources for rocking motion and cooling fluid circulation, especially when the ice maker is remotely located from the freezer compartment.
Innovation Solution
A single power source is used to provide both the rocking motion and pumping of cooling fluid through an oscillation pump with a bladder and check valves, which compresses and relieves to create a circular flow of cooling media, eliminating the need for separate power sources for motor and pump operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single power source is used to provide both rocking motion and pumping of cooling fluid, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor and pump into a single integrated ice maker pump assembly where the motor shaft directly drives the pump impeller. This merging of previously separate components (motor for rocking motion and pump for fluid circulation) into one unified device eliminates the need for separate power sources and control systems, thereby improving energy efficiency while managing device complexity through functional integration.
2Device complexity
If separate power sources are used for motor and pump operations, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated ice maker pump assembly performs multiple functions through a single power source: the motor provides both the rocking motion of the ice maker and drives the pump impeller for cooling fluid circulation. This multi-functionality allows one power source to replace what would traditionally require two separate power sources, improving energy efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through shared control and power delivery.
3Productivity
If cooling fluid is circulated remotely to the ice maker, then ice production capability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump function from a centralized cooling system and integrates it directly into the remote ice maker unit. By taking out the pumping capability and placing it locally at the ice maker, the system can circulate cooling fluid efficiently to the remote location without requiring long-distance fluid transport from a centralized source, thereby improving both ice production capability and energy 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
This solution enhances energy efficiency by integrating the power source for both ice maker oscillation and cooling fluid circulation, reducing energy loss and simplifying the system while maintaining effective ice production.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillation pump comprising a bladder... positioned such that oscillation of the icemaker compresses and relieves the bladder in a cyclical manner
Implementation Method 2
oscillation of the icemaker compresses and relieves the bladder in a cyclical manner
Implementation Method 3
a first check valve and a second one way check valve... The check valves and movement of the ice maker creates a circular flow of fluid in the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a pump fluidly connected to the ice maker and configured for pumping cooling media to the ice maker, and a motor operatively connected to the ice maker and configured to provide oscillating movement to the ice maker. The pump is operatively connected to the motor such that driving of the motor results in the pumping of the cooling media with the pump.