Ice maker with piezo dielectric elastomer sensor
US9863684B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C2700/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice maker includes, among other things, an ice cube mold, an ice cube remover and a force sensor comprising a piezo dielectric elastomer (PDE). The ice cube mold has at least one cavity for receiving liquid. The ice cube remover is configured to apply a removal force to either the mold or an ice cube. The force sensor is provided on either the mold or the remover and provides an output indicative of the removal force. Upon the removal of an ice cube from the cavity, the ice cube remover applies a removal force to the mold or the ice cube to effect the removal of the ice cube from the cavity and the force sensor outputs a signal indicative of the removal force.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.