Thermoelectric Clear Ice Making Through Directional Solidification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ice makers produce cloudy ice cubes due to trapped air, which affects taste and appearance, and require costly processing techniques to produce clear ice.

Innovation Solution

An ice making apparatus utilizing a thermoelectric device with a heat pump and air movement system to create a thermal gradient, allowing air to escape and forming clear ice without a drain, by thermally coupling the device to the ice tray and circulating air to transfer heat and facilitate gas release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional freezing methods are used, then ice cubes are produced quickly and simply, but the ice cubes become cloudy due to trapped air

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice clarityVSAvoidprocessing technique complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the thermal gradient during freezing. A heat pump creates a temperature difference between the bottom (cold) and top (warmer) of the ice tray, causing directional solidification from bottom to top. This temperature parameter control allows air bubbles to rise and escape before the water fully freezes, producing clear ice without complex drainage systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of water during freezing. By controlling the freezing process to proceed from bottom to top through directional solidification, the method allows trapped air to escape as water transitions from liquid to solid phase. The gradual phase change enables air removal while maintaining ice clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If air is trapped during freezing, then the freezing process is simple, but the ice taste and appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice qualityVSAvoidfreezing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical drainage systems with a thermal field-based approach. Instead of using mechanical means to remove air and water, the invention uses a heat pump to create controlled thermal gradients that naturally guide air bubbles upward and facilitate their escape during the freezing process, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drainage infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If costly processing techniques are used to produce clear ice, then ice clarity improves, but the appliance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice clarityVSAvoidappliance manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pump serves multiple functions: it cools the ice tray to freeze water, creates the thermal gradient for directional solidification, and facilitates air removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drainage systems or additional processing equipment, reducing overall appliance complexity and manufacturing cost while achieving clear ice production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus effectively produces clear ice by directional solidification, eliminating trapped air and enhancing the quality of ice cubes for beverages, while avoiding the need for costly drainage systems.

Implementation Method 1

transferring heat from the bottom surface of the ice tray across the thermoelectric device to air below the ice tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

An air movement device is configured to circulate air within the interior volume such that the air transfers heat from the hot side of the thermoelectric device to an upper portion of the ice tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

The apparatus effectively produces clear ice by directional solidification, eliminating trapped air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirectional solidification: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS9915459B2Use of thermoelectric elements for clear ice making, ice harvesting, and creating a temperature condition for clear ice making

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

An ice making apparatus for an appliance includes a housing that has an interior volume and an ice tray horizontally suspended across the interior volume that is configured to retain water. The ice making apparatus also includes a heat pump thermally coupled to a bottom surface of the ice tray. The heat pump is configured to freeze water in the ice tray and expel heat. A heat transfer device is configured to move heat expelled by the heat pump to an upper portion of the interior volume.