Refrigerator ice maker and method of making ice in it
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator ice makers have long production cycles due to the use of a single stationary mold, and conveying ice to multiple storage bins is complex, requiring additional mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dual direction ice maker that allows overlapping of multiple ice production cycles and simplifies routing of ice to multiple storage bins by using a bidirectional ejector and drying surfaces to support partially frozen ice cubes, enabling simultaneous production and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stationary mold is used for ice production, then the structure is simple, but the production cycle time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The single mold is divided into multiple mold cavities (first mold cavity and second mold cavity) that can operate independently. Each cavity can produce ice cubes simultaneously, transforming a single-production system into a multi-production system while maintaining the simplicity of individual cavity structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector begins rotating to eject ice cubes from one mold cavity before the ice cubes in other cavities are completely frozen. This overlapping of freezing and ejection operations allows continuous production without waiting for complete freezing of all cavities, significantly reducing the production cycle time.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple storage bins are used for ice storage, then the ice storage capacity increases, but the routing mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is designed to rotate bidirectionally (clockwise and counterclockwise) to dynamically route ice cubes to different storage bins. This dynamic routing mechanism eliminates the need for separate dedicated doors or complex switching mechanisms for each storage bin, simplifying the overall system while maintaining multi-bin capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ejector serves multiple functions by rotating in different directions: it can eject ice cubes to the first storage bin via the first drying surface, to the second storage bin via the second drying surface, or to the same bin from different directions. This multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated ejection mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If ice cubes are ejected directly into storage bin, then the process is simple, but the ice cubes freeze together
Solution Approach 1:
Drying surfaces are introduced as intermediary structures between the mold cavities and storage bins. These drying surfaces provide a temporary platform where ice cubes can be supported and allow excess water to drain off before the ice cubes are deposited into the storage bin, preventing them from freezing together.
Solution Approach 2:
The excess water on the surface of ejected ice cubes is extracted and drained away through the drying surfaces before the ice cubes enter the storage bin. This removal of free water prevents the ice cubes from bonding together in the storage bin while maintaining the simplicity of the ejection process.
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
Accelerates ice production and simplifies the process of routing ice to multiple storage bins, reducing overall production time and eliminating the need for complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
enabling simultaneous production and distribution... support partially frozen ice cubes, enabling simultaneous production and distribution
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
A refrigerator utilizes a dual direction ice maker capable of overlapping multiple ice production cycles in time to accelerate ice production and/or routing ice to multiple storage bins.