Stop sensor for an ice machine

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice machine stop sensors face challenges in low ambient temperatures, sensitivity to ambient light, and require frequent maintenance and operator adjustments, leading to reliability issues and misalignment of components.

Innovation Solution

A stop sensor with a casing housing a protected sensor, electronic board, probe, light emitting diode, and switch that measures distance to detect anomalies, allowing adjustable activation and reset, suitable for low temperatures and varying ice storage needs, and resistant to environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thermostat is used to detect ice obstruction, then the machine can be stopped when the silo is full, but it cannot operate reliably at temperatures below 5° C

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of stop detectionVSAvoidadaptability to low temperatures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal thermostat system with an optical sensing system using a light emitting diode and photoelectric detector. This substitution eliminates the temperature sensitivity issue of thermostats by using light-based detection that operates reliably in low temperature environments below 5° C.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from thermal contact (thermostat bulb temperature) to optical properties (light transmission through ice). This parameter change allows the system to detect ice presence without being affected by ambient temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If photoelectric sweeping is used to detect obstructions, then the machine can be stopped when the silo is full, but it is very sensitive to ambient light and requires greater maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of stop detectionVSAvoidsensitivity to ambient light

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a physical probe as an intermediary element that extends into the silo to directly interact with the ice. This probe serves as a mediator between the optical sensor and the ice mass, allowing the sensor to detect ice presence through light transmission along the probe's path, thereby isolating the sensor from ambient light interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the conventional photoelectric sweeping system with a focused optical beam system using a light emitting diode and probe. This substitution creates a controlled light path that is less susceptible to ambient light variations compared to sweeping systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a complete mechanical stop is performed when obstruction is detected, then the machine stops when the silo is full, but components can become misaligned and require operator readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of stop detectionVSAvoidease of reset operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complete mechanical stop system with a controlled electronic stop signal system. The sensor triggers an electronic stop signal that halts the ice-making process without requiring full mechanical intervention, thereby preventing component misalignment and enabling automatic reset when the obstruction is cleared.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables the system to automatically reset when the obstruction is cleared, without requiring operator intervention for readjustment. The sensor continuously monitors the silo condition and automatically restarts the machine once the ice obstruction is removed, making the system self-servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reliable machine stop and start functionality, adaptable to different installations, and maintains accuracy across varying ambient conditions, reducing maintenance and misalignment risks.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting diode (2d)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

sensor (2a) protected by glass... that measures the distance at which the object interrupting is

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10837691B2Stop sensor for an ice machine

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 ITV ICE MAKERS SL

AI summary

A stop sensor for an ice machine comprising a casing made up of a base and a cover, wherein the base acts as a housing for a sensor protected by glass, and which is arranged in an electronic board which in turn houses at least electronic means which send the stop signal; a probe, a light emitting diode and a switch; and in that the cover of the casing has a hole wherein a cap is housed which protects the sensor from possible inlets of water during the operation of the machine, and wherein in turn, said hole will coincide with the area where the button of the switch is located.