Refrigerator and ice making method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with ice making functions often have limited ice production capacity and may damage the ice maker due to prolonged use, especially when there is a high demand for ice.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerator is equipped with two ice makers and a controller that allows selective operation of either or both ice makers based on user requests, increasing ice production capacity and prolonging the service life of the ice makers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single ice maker is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ice production capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ice making system is divided into multiple independent ice makers (first ice maker and second ice maker), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to increase ice production capacity by activating multiple units while maintaining the simplicity of individual components, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
2Productivity
If a single ice maker operates continuously to meet high ice demand, then the ice production capacity is sufficient, but the service life of the ice maker is reduced due to prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between first and second ice makers. When one ice maker completes its ice making cycle, it stops operating while the other takes over. This periodic switching reduces continuous operation time for each individual ice maker, thereby extending their service life while maintaining sufficient ice production capacity to meet high demand.
3Productivity
If multiple ice makers are used, then the ice production capacity increases, but the control complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements self-service by automatically determining when to switch between ice makers based on simple criteria: when one ice maker finishes its cycle, the system automatically activates the other. This eliminates the need for complex precise ice amount calculations and sophisticated control algorithms, reducing control complexity while maintaining high ice production capacity.
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 allows for increased ice production capacity and extends the lifespan of the ice makers, while also accommodating different user ice making requirements and reducing costs by eliminating the need for precise ice amount calculations when only one ice maker is used.
Implementation Method 1
supplying cold to the ice making compartment to make the water in the ice tray freeze into an ice cube
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided and includes a refrigerator body, a door body, an ice making apparatus and a controller. The refrigerator body includes a storage compartment. The door body is pivotally connected to the refrigerator body to open or close the storage compartment. The ice making apparatus includes a plurality of ice makers. The controller is configured to control at least one of the plurality of ice makers to make ice according to an ice making request.