Excitation based ice detection unit, refrigerator with ice detection unit and method for defrosting of a refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
No-frost refrigerators face inefficiencies due to periodic defrost operations triggered by unknown ice presence and amount on the heat-exchanger, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and compromised cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
An ice detection unit comprising a channeling element with an excitation means and detection means, utilizing vibrations to establish a mechanical connection upon ice or snow accumulation, allowing for precise detection and adaptive heating activation based on excitation intensity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic defrost operations are performed in no-frost refrigerators, then ice accumulation on the heat-exchanger is prevented, but energy consumption increases and cooling performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces periodic mechanical/thermal defrost operations with a continuous acoustic detection system. Ultrasonic waves are used to detect ice formation in real-time, allowing the system to respond only when necessary, thereby eliminating unnecessary energy consumption from periodic defrost cycles while maintaining reliable ice prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where ultrasonic sensors continuously monitor the heat-exchanger surface for ice formation. The detection signal feeds back to the control system, which activates heating only when ice is detected, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy usage while ensuring reliable ice prevention
2Reliability
If periodic defrost operations are performed, then ice accumulation is controlled, but cooling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ultrasonic detection provides real-time feedback on ice formation, enabling the system to maintain optimal cooling performance by activating defrost only when ice actually forms. This eliminates the performance degradation caused by periodic defrost operations that occur regardless of actual ice conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heat-exchanger's own structural properties (acoustic impedance differences) to detect ice formation autonomously. This self-detection capability allows the system to maintain cooling performance by responding only when the heat-exchanger actually requires defrosting, rather than following a fixed periodic schedule
3Reliability
If heating is activated continuously to prevent ice, then ice prevention is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous thermal heating with acoustic detection. Ultrasonic waves penetrate the heat-exchanger surface and detect ice formation through changes in acoustic impedance, allowing the system to identify when heating is actually needed and eliminate continuous energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in acoustic parameters (velocity, impedance) of the heat-exchanger surface to detect ice formation. By detecting these parameter changes in real-time, the system can activate heating only when necessary, preventing energy waste from continuous heating while ensuring reliable ice prevention
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 simultaneous detection of ice or snow growth and adaptive heating, reducing energy consumption and improving cooling performance by only activating heating when necessary, thus optimizing defrost operations.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation means (6) for exciting said channeling element (2) and an excitation detection means (8) for detecting excitations of the channeling element (2)
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical connection between the channeling element (2) and at least the excitation means (6) and/or the excitation detection means (8) establishes due to a solidification of fluid, in particular water, inside the channeling element (2), wherein the mechanical connection transfers excitations from the excitation means (2) to the excitation detection means (8)
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical connection between the channeling element (2) and at least the excitation means (6) and/or the excitation detection means (8) establishes due to a solidification of fluid, in particular water, inside the channeling element (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The before mentioned invention refers to an ice detection unit (1), at least comprising a channeling element (2) for guiding water and for holding ice (4), an excitation means (6) for exciting said channeling element (2) and an excitation detection means (8) for detecting excitations of the channeling element (2), wherein a mechanical connection between the channeling element (2) and at least the excitation means (6) and/or the excitation detection means (8) establishes due to a solidification of fluid, in particular water, inside the channeling element (2), wherein the mechanical connection transfers excitations from the excitation means (2) to the excitation detection means (8).