18158209. REFRIGERATOR AND ICE-MAKING ASSEMBLY AND METHODS FOR RELIABLY FORMING CLEAR ICE simplified abstract (Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.)

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REFRIGERATOR AND ICE-MAKING ASSEMBLY AND METHODS FOR RELIABLY FORMING CLEAR ICE

Organization Name

Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Bart Andrew Nuss of Fisherville KY (US)

Brent Alden Junge of Louisville KY (US)

Amy Kobraei of Lexington KY (US)

REFRIGERATOR AND ICE-MAKING ASSEMBLY AND METHODS FOR RELIABLY FORMING CLEAR ICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18158209 titled 'REFRIGERATOR AND ICE-MAKING ASSEMBLY AND METHODS FOR RELIABLY FORMING CLEAR ICE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a refrigerator appliance that can make ice efficiently by using a conductive ice mold, a freezing element, a water dispenser, and a fluid pump controlled by a controller.

Key Features and Innovation

  • The controller directs the ice-making process by warming up the conductive ice mold with water from the dispenser before freezing.
  • It detects the target temperature for ice preparation and stops warming up the mold once it reaches that temperature.
  • The controller then forms ice billets in the mold and activates the fluid pump to harvest the ice by spraying warm water for a set period.

Potential Applications

This technology can be used in various refrigeration appliances to improve ice-making efficiency and quality.

Problems Solved

  • Efficient ice-making process
  • Consistent ice quality
  • Automated ice harvesting

Benefits

  • Energy efficiency
  • Improved ice production
  • Enhanced user experience

Commercial Applications

Refrigerator manufacturers can integrate this technology into their products to offer advanced ice-making capabilities, attracting consumers looking for convenient and efficient appliances.

Prior Art

Readers can explore prior patents related to ice-making technologies in refrigeration appliances to understand the evolution of this field.

Frequently Updated Research

Stay updated on advancements in ice-making technologies in refrigeration appliances to enhance product development and innovation.

Questions about Ice-Making Technology

How does this technology improve the efficiency of ice-making in refrigerators?

This technology streamlines the ice-making process by using warming water to prepare the ice mold, ensuring consistent ice quality and energy efficiency.

What are the potential commercial applications of this ice-making technology?

This technology can be implemented in various refrigeration appliances to enhance ice production, catering to consumers seeking convenient and high-quality ice-making capabilities.


Original Abstract Submitted

A refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a liner, a conductive ice mold, a freezing element, a water dispenser, a water basin, a fluid pump, and a controller. The controller may be configured to direct an ice-making operation, which includes directing warm-up activation of the fluid pump to spray warming water to the conductive ice mold from the water dispenser, holding the freezing element in an inactive state while directing warm-up activation, detecting a preparation target temperature of the conductive ice mold above freezing temperature while directing warm-up activation, halting warm-up activation of the fluid pump in response to detecting the preparation target temperature, directing billet formation of an ice billet within the conductive ice mold following halting warm-up activation, and directing harvest activation of the fluid pump from an inactive state to spray warming water to the conductive ice mold from the water dispenser for a set harvesting period.