Strain Gauge Ice Detection for On-Demand Household Appliance Defrost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional defrost mechanisms in household appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, operate periodically regardless of the amount of ice formed on cooling elements, leading to inefficiency and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a strain gauge to detect ice formation by sensing changes in air bubble generation in a fluid, allowing the defrost mechanism to operate only when ice is present on the cooling device, thereby optimizing defrosting and reducing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If periodic defrost operation is used, then defrosting is performed automatically, but energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a strain gauge to detect ice formation on the evaporator and provides feedback to the control unit. The defrost operation is activated only when the strain gauge detects ice formation, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates unnecessary periodic defrosting and reduces energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge continuously monitors the evaporator surface and automatically triggers defrosting only when needed. The system serves itself by detecting its own ice formation condition and activating defrosting accordingly, rather than relying on external periodic timing signals.
2Extent of automation
If periodic defrost operation is used, then defrosting is performed automatically, but defrosting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives real-time feedback from the strain gauge about ice formation on the evaporator. Defrosting is activated only when the strain gauge detects actual ice formation, ensuring that defrosting operations are timely and efficient rather than following an inefficient periodic schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge continuously monitors the evaporator surface in advance, detecting ice formation before it significantly impacts cooling performance. This preliminary detection allows the defrost system to act proactively rather than reactively, maintaining higher efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If strain gauge is used to detect ice formation, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex thermal or optical ice detection systems with a simple strain gauge that mechanically measures evaporator surface deformation caused by ice accumulation. This mechanical measurement approach simplifies the detection system while maintaining effective ice detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge serves multiple functions: it monitors evaporator structural integrity, detects ice formation, and provides feedback for defrost control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding the strain gauge component.
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
The solution enables efficient defrosting by ensuring the defrost mechanism only activates when necessary, reducing energy consumption and improving the efficiency of household appliance operations.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement device covering at least a part of the opening of the container, wherein the measurement device includes a strain gauge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (100) for detecting a formation of ice in a household appliance, comprising: a container (110) configured to accommodate a fluid (1), the container (110) including an entry port (112) and an opening (114); a gas supply device (120) connected to the entry port (112) of the container (110) to supply a gas to the fluid (1) in the container (110); a measurement device (130) covering at least a part of the opening (114) of the container (110), wherein the measurement device (130) includes a strain gauge; and a determination device (130) configured to determine the formation of ice in the fluid (1) based on measurement signals provided by the strain gauge.