Refrigerator Defrost Sequencing to Prevent Ice Agglomeration

The patent divides the heating operation into two distinct segments: a defrosting operation for the refrigerant pipe and a subsequent ice-making operation. By segmenting the thermal processing into separate phases with different targets (refrigerant pipe first, then ice maker), the system removes frost from the refrigerant pipe while preventing prolonged heating that would melt stored ice, thus resolving the contradiction between effective defrosting and ice preservation

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the defrosting operation before the ice-making operation. The controller executes the defrosting cycle first to remove frost from the refrigerant pipe, then immediately follows with an ice-making cycle to refreeze any melted ice and prevent agglomeration. This sequential preliminary action ensures that defrosting effectiveness is achieved while minimizing the time stored ice is exposed to melting conditions

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by immediately transitioning from the defrosting operation to the ice-making operation without idle time. The controller is configured to automatically initiate the ice-making cycle directly after the defrosting cycle completes, ensuring continuous thermal processing. This eliminates the time gap where stored ice would be vulnerable to melting and agglomeration, while still achieving complete defrosting of the refrigerant pipe

The patent implements periodic action through alternating cycles of defrosting and ice-making operations. The controller manages these operations in periodic sequences, where each defrosting cycle is followed by an ice-making cycle. This periodic alternation ensures that the refrigerant pipe receives adequate defrosting time while the ice maker immediately restores cooling to prevent ice agglomeration, creating a rhythmic pattern that balances both requirements