Refrigerator Dual-Flow Ice Maker for Shortened Ice Making Cycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerators face inefficiencies in ice making due to the ice maker being located downstream of the refrigerating evaporator, leading to suboptimal refrigerant temperatures that prolong ice making time and reduce efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The ice maker is positioned on a separate refrigerant flow path from the refrigerating flow path, with a controller managing the switching valve to prioritize refrigerant flow to the ice maker during ice making, optimizing temperature control and reducing ice making cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the ice maker is located downstream of the refrigerating evaporator, then the refrigeration cycle system can serve multiple purposes, but the refrigerant temperature becomes suboptimal for ice making

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-purpose refrigeration systemVSAvoidrefrigerant temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigeration cycle system is segmented into two separate flow paths: a refrigerating flow path and an ice making flow path. This allows independent optimization of refrigerant temperature for each function, resolving the contradiction between multi-purpose capability and optimal temperature for ice making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-series refrigeration flow path to a parallel dual-flow path architecture. By adding the dimension of flow path parallelism, the system can simultaneously maintain different temperature conditions for refrigerating and ice making operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the ice maker uses refrigerant from the refrigerating evaporator, then the system structure is simplified, but the ice making time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidice making time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigeration cycle is segmented into separate flow paths with dedicated refrigerant circulation for ice making. This segmentation enables the ice maker to receive optimally cold refrigerant directly from the compressor through the ice making evaporator, significantly reducing ice making time despite increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the compressor runs frequently to maintain refrigeration, then the refrigeration effect is maintained, but the compressor lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration effectVSAvoidcompressor lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigeration and ice making functions are segmented into separate flow paths with independent control. This allows the system to optimize compressor operation by separating the cooling demands, reducing unnecessary compressor restarts and extending its lifespan while maintaining reliable refrigeration effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a single refrigerant flow path is used, then the system is simpler to control, but the ice making efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidice making efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system manages two segmented flow paths with independent control capabilities. This segmentation enables precise control over refrigerant distribution to optimize ice making efficiency, with the controller able to independently regulate the ice making flow path to maximize productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enhances ice making efficiency by maintaining optimal refrigerant temperatures for ice production, shortening the ice making cycle, and minimizing compressor restarts, thus extending compressor lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

The refrigeration cycle system includes at least one compressor, at least one condenser, and two cooling flow paths. The two cooling flow paths are connected to the two refrigerant pipes respectively, and the two cooling flow paths are configured to cool the ice maker.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration cycle:

Implementation Method 2

The refrigeration cycle system includes at least one compressor, at least one condenser, and two cooling flow paths. The condenser is configured to dissipate heat from the refrigerant.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS12480698B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 HISENSE RONSHEN GUANGDONG REFRIGERATOR

AI summary

A refrigerator includes a refrigerator body, an ice maker, a refrigeration cycle system, and a controller. The refrigerator body includes a chamber. The ice maker is located in the chamber and is configured to make ice. The ice maker includes two refrigerant pipes. The refrigeration cycle system includes a compressor, a condenser, and two cooling flow paths. The two cooling flow paths are connected to the two refrigerant pipes, respectively, and the two cooling flow paths are configured to cool the ice maker. The controller is configured to control the compressor to be turned on or off and control the two cooling flow paths to open or be closed, so as to cool the ice maker through at least one of the two refrigerant pipes.