Segmented Ice Mold Assembly for Multi-Shape Refrigerator Ice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice makers in refrigerators are limited to producing ice cubes of a single shape and size, making it difficult to accommodate different user preferences for ice cube size and shape, such as slower melting or rapid cooling, without increasing the appliance's size or complexity.
Innovation Solution
An ice making assembly with a mold body that includes discrete first and second compartments defining different cube profiles, allowing for the production of ice cubes of varying sizes and shapes, and an ejector mechanism to rotate and eject ice cubes from these compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single ice maker is used, then the appliance size and complexity are kept small, but the ability to produce different ice cube sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ice mold body is segmented into multiple cavities, where at least one cavity is configured to form a first ice cube size/shape and another cavity is configured to form a second ice cube size/shape. This segmentation allows a single ice maker to produce multiple ice cube varieties simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ice makers are installed to produce different ice cube sizes, then ice variety is improved, but the appliance size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ice cube forming cavities with different size configurations are merged into a single ice mold body. This allows the appliance to produce multiple ice cube varieties using one ice maker unit, thereby avoiding the need for multiple separate ice makers and reducing the overall appliance size while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single ice mold cavity is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot accommodate different user preferences for ice cube sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Different cavities within the ice mold body are designed with locally distinct qualities - specifically, different cavity sizes and shapes tailored to produce specific ice cube varieties. This local differentiation allows the mold to accommodate diverse user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a single unit.
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
Enables the production of ice cubes of different sizes and shapes within a single ice maker, accommodating various user preferences without increasing the appliance's size or complexity, allowing for flexible ice usage based on intended applications.
Implementation Method 1
The body may include an ice mold for receiving and freezing water
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance or ice making assembly, as provided herein, may include a body and an ejector. The body may include an ice mold for receiving and freezing water. The ice mold may define a discrete first compartment and second compartment within which water freezes. The first compartment may define a first cube profile. The second compartment may be axially-spaced apart from the first compartment and define a second cube profile. The second cube profile may be different from the first cube profile. The ejector may be rotatably disposed above the first cube profile and the second cube profile to motivate ice from the first and second compartments.