US20180299177A1

US20180299177A1 - Ice maker assembly and refrigerator appliance

Info

Publication number: US20180299177A1
Application number: US15/488,590
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Benjamin Miller
Original assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2017-04-17
Filing date: 2017-04-17
Publication date: 2018-10-18

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance and ice maker assembly are generally provided herein. The ice maker assembly may include a body and a harvester. The body may include an ice mold for receiving and freezing water. The ice mold may define a compartment within which water freezes. The compartment may be at least partially defined by a continuous arcuate bottom surface comprising a first segment defined about a first radius and a second segment defined about a second radius. The harvester may be rotatably disposed above at least a portion of the arcuate bottom surface to motivate ice from the compartment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to ice maker assemblies, and more particularly to an ice maker assembly for a refrigerator appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain refrigerator appliances include an ice maker for producing ice. The ice maker can receive liquid water, and such liquid water can freeze within the ice maker to form ice. In particular, certain ice makers include a mold body that defines a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities can be filled with liquid water, and such liquid water can freeze within the plurality of cavities to form ice cubes.
Many refrigerator appliances mount ice maker assemblies within a rotating door. For instance, in a “bottom freezer” type refrigerator where the freezer chamber is arranged below or beneath a top mounted fresh food chamber, an automatic ice maker is often disposed in a thermally insulated ice compartment mounted or formed on a door for the top mounted fresh food chamber. During use, ice is delivered through an opening on the door for the fresh food chamber. As another example, a “side by side” type refrigerator, where the freezer chamber is arranged next to the fresh food chamber, an automatic ice maker is often disposed on the door for either one of the freezer chamber or the fresh food chamber. During use, ice is delivered through an opening formed on the door of the respective compartment.
Positioning the automatic ice maker on the door of a refrigerator presents a number of challenges. One such challenge is that water may spill from certain portions of the ice maker. For instance, when the door is opened or closed while water in the ice maker is not frozen, the unfrozen water can spill out of the ice mold body of the ice maker. In some cases, this is because the frontal opening of each ice chamber is not completely covered by the ice stripper. Such water spilling is not desirable. Moreover, the spilled water may fall into the ice storage bin positioned below or beneath the ice maker, causing the ice cubes in the ice storage bin to clump together. Although additional features may be added to further enclose the ice molds and prevent spills, such features generally add to the complexity and cost of an ice maker unit.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an automatic ice maker that addresses one or more of these challenges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, an ice maker assembly is provided. The ice maker assembly may include a body and a harvester. The body may include an ice mold for receiving and freezing water. The ice mold may define a compartment within which water freezes. The compartment may be at least partially defined by a continuous arcuate bottom surface comprising a first segment defined about a first radius and a second segment defined about a second radius. The second radius may be smaller than the first radius. The harvester may be rotatably disposed above at least a portion of the arcuate bottom surface to motivate ice from the compartment.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a door, and an ice maker assembly. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber. The door may be mounted to the cabinet. The ice maker assembly may be mounted to the door. The ice maker assembly may include a body and a harvester. The body may include an ice mold for receiving and freezing water. The ice mold may define a compartment within which water freezes. The compartment may be at least partially defined by a continuous arcuate bottom surface comprising a first segment defined about a first radius and a second segment defined about a second radius. The second radius may be smaller than the first radius. The harvester may be rotatably disposed above at least a portion of the arcuate bottom surface to motivate ice from the compartment.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a front perspective view of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, wherein the doors are shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an example ice maker assembly according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides an exploded perspective view of the example ice maker assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional plan view of an ice maker assembly according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional plan view of an ice maker assembly according to example embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the harvester is disposed in a fill position.

FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional plan view of the example ice maker assembly of FIG. 6, wherein the harvester is disposed in a first intermediate position.

FIG. 8 provides a cross-sectional plan view of the example ice maker assembly of FIG. 6, wherein the harvester is disposed in a second intermediate position.

FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional plan view of the example ice maker assembly of FIG. 6, wherein the harvester is disposed in an ejection position.

FIG. 10 provides a cross-sectional plan view of an ice maker assembly according to other example embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Generally, the present disclosure provides an ice maker that can be mounted within a separate appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance. The ice maker can include an ice mold that freezes water into a generally crescent cube shape along a continuous arcuate bottom surface. The arcuate bottom surface may be defined along one or more distinct radii. The at least two radii may thus be different sizes. Moreover, the resulting frozen ice cubes may have at least two radii of different sizes.
FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 provides a front, perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100 with a refrigerator door 110 and a freezer door 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 shown in an open position to reveal a fresh food chamber 114 and a freezer chamber 116 of refrigerator appliance 100. Refrigerator appliance 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction. The vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. Refrigerator appliance 100 extends between an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104 along the vertical direction V. Refrigerator appliance 100 also extends between a first side portion 106 and a second side portion 108, e.g., along the lateral direction L.
Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet 120 that defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In some embodiments, refrigerator appliance 100 defines fresh food chamber 114 at first side portion 106 of refrigerator appliance 100 and a freezer chamber 116 arranged next to fresh food chamber 114 at second side portion 108 of refrigerator appliance 100. As such, the illustrated refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. However, using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that the present subject matter may be used with other types of refrigerator appliances (e.g., bottom mount or top mount style) or a freezer appliance as well. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present subject matter in any aspect.
Refrigerator door 110 is rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 120 for accessing fresh food chamber 114. Similarly, freezer door 112 is rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 120 for accessing freezer chamber 116. Refrigerator door 110 and freezer door 112 can rotate between an open position (shown in FIG. 2) and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) in order to permit selective access to fresh food chamber 114 and freezer chamber 116, respectively.
Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 130 for dispensing water and/or ice. Dispensing assembly 130 includes a dispenser 132 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance 100, e.g., on freezer door 112. Dispenser 132 includes a discharging outlet 134 for accessing ice and water. Any suitable actuator may be used to operate dispenser 132. For example, dispenser 132 can include a paddle or button for operating dispenser. Additionally or alternatively, a sensor 136, such as an ultrasonic sensor, may be mounted below or beneath discharging outlet 134 for operating dispenser 132, e.g., during an auto-fill process of refrigerator appliance 100. A user interface panel 138 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. In some such embodiments, user interface panel 138 includes a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.
As shown, discharging outlet 134 and sensor 136 are an external part of dispenser 130. One or both of discharging outlet 134 and sensor 136 are mounted in a dispenser recess 140 defined in an outside surface of freezer door 112. In some embodiments, dispenser recess 140 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to access freezer chamber 116. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, dispenser recess 140 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.
Turning now to FIG. 2, certain components of dispensing assembly 130 are illustrated. Dispensing assembly 130 includes a housing 142 mounted, as an example, on or within door 112. As door 112 opens and closes, housing 142 may be selectively positioned within and out of freezer chamber 116, respectively. Generally, housing 142 is constructed and arranged to facilitate production and storage of ice. More particularly, housing 142 includes or contains an ice maker for creating ice and/or feeding the same to a container 144, as will be described in detail below. In some such embodiments, container 144 is mounted on freezer door 112, e.g., below or beneath housing 142. As illustrated in FIG. 2, container 144 is placed at a vertical position on freezer door 112 that will allow for the receipt of ice from a discharge opening of housing 144 and into an entrance of container 144. As freezer door 112 is closed or opened, housing 142 and container 144 may be moved together in and out of freezer chamber 116.
Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 150 that is operatively coupled to user interface panel 138 and/or sensor 136. User interface panel 138 provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance 100 such as e.g., selections between whole or crushed ice, chilled water, and/or other options as well. In response to user manipulation of the user interface panel 138, controller 150 operates various components of the refrigerator appliance 100. Controller 150 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 150 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
Controller 150 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 150 is located at upper portion 102 or refrigerator appliance 100 within fresh food chamber 114. However, in alternative example embodiments, controller 150 may be located within the control panel area of freezer door 112. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 150 and various operational components of refrigerator appliance 100. For example, user interface panel 138 may be in communication with controller 150 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an ice maker 200 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of ice maker 200. Ice maker 200 is configured for production of ice as discussed in greater detail below. Ice maker 200 may be used within any suitable refrigerator appliance, such as refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1). As an example, ice maker 200 may be positioned within housing 142 of refrigerator appliance 100.
As may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, ice maker 200 defines an axial direction A and a radial direction R. Ice maker 200 also includes an ice mold or mold body 210 that extends between a first end portion 214 and a second end portion 216, e.g., along the axial direction A. Mold body 210 defines one or more compartments 212 (FIG. 5) separated by sidewall partitions for receipt of liquid water for freezing, as will be described in detail below. Generally, ice maker 200 can receive liquid water, e.g., from a water connection to plumbing within a residence or business housing refrigerator appliance 100, and direct such liquid water into mold body 210, e.g., into compartments 212 of mold body 210. In embodiments wherein multiple compartments 212 are defined, the compartments 212 may be spaced apart from one another or distributed, e.g., along the axial direction A between first end portion 214 and second end portion 216.
Within compartments 212 of mold body 210, liquid can freeze to form ice cubes 270 (see FIGS. 5 through 8). It is understood that the term “ice cube,” as used herein, does not require a cubic geometry (i.e., six bounded square faces), but indicates a discrete unit of solid frozen ice generally having a predetermined three-dimensional shape. In some embodiments, a sheathed electrical resistance heating element or heater 280 is mounted to a lower portion 211 of mold body 210. The heater 280 can be press-fit, stacked, and/or clamped into the lower portion of the mold body 210. The heater 280 is configured to heat the mold body 210 when a harvest cycle is executed to slightly melt the ice cubes 270 and release the ice from the compartments 212.
In some embodiments, ice maker 200 includes a motor 232. As shown, motor 232 may be positioned within a motor housing 222. Additionally or alternatively, motor 232 may be in mechanical communication with an ejector 224, e.g., via gearing. When assembled, ejector 224 is generally mounted to or above at least a portion of mold body 210. Ejector 224 includes one or more harvesters 226 corresponding to each compartment 212. In turn, multiple harvesters 226 may be spaced apart from each other or distributed along the axial direction A. During use, each harvester 226 may be selectively received within a respective compartment 212. As an example, motor 232 may rotate ejector 224 about a rotation axis A_R. Specifically, a shaft 234 of ejector 224 can be rotated in either a first rotational direction or a second, opposite rotational direction. As shown, rotation axis A_Rmay be parallel to the axial direction A. In some embodiments, shaft 234 extends along rotation axis A_R. In other embodiments, shaft 234 extends along a separate axis that is parallel to rotation axis A_Rand offset position, e.g., along the radial direction R, by any suitable distance. As ejector 224 is rotated by motor 232, harvesters 226 can move or slide into compartments 212 and push or urge ice cubes 270 out of compartments 212.
Turning now to FIGS. 5 through 9, multiple cross-sectional plan views are provided of a portion of example ice maker 200. Specifically, a view of at least one compartment 212 and corresponding harvester 226 are shown perpendicular to axial direction A (FIG. 3). As noted above, ice mold defines compartment 212 within which water freezes to form an ice cube 270. Generally, compartment 212 extends, e.g., in the vertical direction V, from a top portion 240 (e.g., an uppermost vertical extreme) to a base portion 242 (e.g., a lowermost vertical extreme). At least a portion of compartment 212 is defined by a continuous arcuate bottom surface 238. Compartment 212, and thereby the resulting ice cube 270, is at least partially defined by a continuous arcuate bottom surface 238.
As shown, continuous arcuate bottom surface 238 includes multiple discrete segments. For instance, a first segment 244 may form a portion of continuous arcuate bottom surface 238, while a second segment 246 forms another portion of continuous arcuate bottom surface 238. In the illustrated embodiments, first segment 244 and second segment 246 are joined at a centerline 248, which may be, e.g., perpendicular to axial direction A (FIG. 3). Optionally, centerline 248 may extend to or through the base portion 242 of compartment 212 such that first segment 244 and second segment 246 are joined as a continuous or uninterrupted surface at the base portion 242.
First segment 244 and second segment 246 are generally defined at unique radii. Each segment may thus be defined to have a semi-circular arc shape. Each segment may further include a unique origin point about which that segment is defined. In some such embodiments, first segment 244 is defined about a first radius 250, and second segment 246 is defined about a discrete second radius 252. The second radius 252 may be smaller than the first radius 250. In other words, the distance between first segment 244 and a corresponding first center point 254 may be greater than the distance between second segment 246 and a corresponding second center point 256. In certain embodiments, first radius 250 is between 0.8 inches and 2 inches, while second radius 252 is between 0.5 inches and 1.2 inch and less than first radius 250. In further embodiments, first radius 250 is between 1 inch and 1.5 inch, while second radius 252 is between 0.6 inches and 1 inch. In still further embodiments, first radius 250 is between 1.2 inches and 1.4 inches, while second radius 252 is between 0.7 inches and 0.9 inches. Optionally, first center point 254 and second center point 256 may each be defined along centerline 248, e.g., such that first center point 254 is positioned directly above second center point 256 along the vertical direction V.
A fill line 258 for received water is generally defined within compartment 212 above continuous arcuate bottom surface 238. Specifically, fill line 258 is defined between first segment 244 and second segment 246, e.g., perpendicular to the vertical direction V and/or centerline 248. During operation, ice maker 200 is generally configured to add water within mold body 210. Specifically, water may be added up to the defined fill line 258. Thus, when frozen, ice cube 270 may include a flat upper portion that is defined at or parallel to fill line 258, as well as an arcuate bottom portion that extends between and/or below the flat upper portion (it is understood that “below” and “upper” within this context is understood to correspond to the ice cube 270 within compartment 212 that has not yet been engaged or removed by harvester 226—see FIG. 5).
Fill line 258 includes a horizontal length 262 that is defined between first segment 244 and second segment 246. The horizontal length 262 may be greater than one or both of the first radius 250 and second radius 252. For instance, horizontal length 262 may be between 1.5 inches and 2 inches and greater than first radius 250. In certain embodiments, the horizontal length 262 is between 1.7 inches and 1.9 inches and greater than first radius 250. As shown, the fill line 258 may be defined below one or both of the center points 254 and 256.
Advantageously, the described embodiments of mold body 210 may form ice cubes 270 according to a desirable shape that is suitably non-planar and easily removed from ice body (e.g., in comparison to a single-radius crescent ice cube). Moreover, the formed ice cubes 270 may be advantageously reduced in size for a desirable mouth feel without sacrificing removability within mold body 210.
As noted above, in some embodiments, a heater 280 is mounted to mold body 210. When assembled, the heater 280 may be in communication with the continuous arcuate bottom surface 238. In turn, heater 280 may selectively direct heat to the continuous arcuate bottom surface 238, e.g., to release a frozen ice cube 270 from mold body 210. In some such embodiments, heater 280 includes a first length pass 282 and a second length pass 284. As shown, the first length pass 282 may be disposed below the first segment 244 (e.g., directly beneath first segment 244 in the vertical direction V) while the second length pass 284 is disposed below the second segment 246 (e.g., directly beneath second segment 246 in the vertical direction V).
In some embodiments, one or more walls, such as a first elevated wall 264 and second elevated wall 266, extend from first segment 244 and second segment 246. Such walls may extend continuously and/or generally in the vertical direction V such that each wall is above (i.e., higher relative to the vertical direction V) the first segment 244, second segment 246, and/or fill line 258. Optionally, first elevated wall 264 and/or second elevated wall 266 may define a spill gap 260 along the vertical direction V between the top portion 240 and the fill line 258. In some such embodiments, the spill gap 260 is greater than the second radius 252. As an example, the spill gap 260 may be greater than 0.5 inches. As another example, the spill gap 260 may be greater than 1 inch.
In certain embodiments, a first elevated wall 264 extends from first segment 244. For instance, first elevated wall 264 may extend generally in the vertical direction V while continuing about the first center point 254. In other words, the first elevated wall 264 may be defined at the same first radius 250 as first segment 244. As shown, first elevated wall 264 may extend from first segment 244 to the top portion 240 of the compartment 212. Optionally, first elevated wall 264 may include a vertical segment that extends, e.g., linearly, above top portion 240 (see FIGS. 6 through 9). When assembled on door 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 2), first elevated wall 264 may be positioned proximate an outer portion of door 112. In other words, first elevated wall 264 may be farther from the interior chamber (e.g., freezer chamber 116) than second segment 246 when door 112 is in the closed position. Advantageously, first elevated wall 264 may prevent water from spilling out of compartment 212, e.g., when the door 112 is shut rapidly.
In example embodiments, a second elevated wall 266 extends from second segment 246. For instance, second elevated wall 266 may extend generally in the vertical direction V. As shown, second elevated wall 266 may extend from the second segment 246 to the top portion 240 of the compartment 212. When assembled on door 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 2), second elevated wall 266 may be positioned proximate an interior chamber (e.g., freezer chamber 116) and/or opposite first elevated wall 264. In other words, second elevated wall 266 may be closer to the interior chamber (e.g., freezer chamber 116) than first segment 244 when door 112 is in the closed position. Advantageously, second elevated wall 266 may prevent water from spilling out of compartment 212, e.g., when the door 112 is opened rapidly.
As noted above, harvester 226 is disposed above at least a portion of the arcuate bottom surface 238. During use, harvester 226 may rotate about rotation axis A_Rto motivate ice from the compartment 212. Some such embodiments of harvester 226 include at least one tine 286 extending radially (e.g., in the radial direction R) from shaft 234 and/or rotation axis A_R. When assembled, tine 286 may be mounted within compartment 212. Optionally, the tine length 290 (e.g., the distance between the rotation axis A_Rand a radial tip or extreme of the tine 286) may be greater than the second radius 252. Additionally or alternatively, the tine length 290 may be less than the first radius 250.
When assembled, rotation axis A_Rmay be defined below top portion 240 of mold body 210. For instance, rotation axis A_Rmay be disposed at a set axis height 292 relative to arcuate bottom surface 238 (e.g., at the base portion 242) along the vertical direction V. In some embodiments, the axis height 292 is greater than the second radius 252. Additionally or alternatively, the axis height 292 may be less than the first radius 250. In example embodiments, the rotation axis A_Ris offset from the centerline 248. As an example, the rotation axis A_Rmay be horizontally spaced apart from the centerline 248. For instance, rotation axis A_Rmay be spaced apart from centerline 248 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction V such that centerline 248, first center point 254, and/or second center point 256 are not vertically aligned.
Turning now specifically to FIGS. 5 through 9, rotation of harvester 226 is illustrated from a fill position (FIG. 6) to an ejection position (FIG. 9). Multiple intermediate positions (FIGS. 7 and 8) between the fill position and the ejection position are also illustrated. In the fill position, harvester 226 is generally positioned above (e.g., along the vertical direction V) mold body 210. Moreover, compartment 212 of mold body 210 is ready for receiving liquid water for freezing. Thus, liquid water can be directed into compartment 212 of mold body 210 in the fill position. With ice maker 200 positioned in a suitably cool location, water within compartment 212 will freeze and form ice cubes 270. A controller, such as controller 150 (FIG. 1) can monitor or measure a temperature of mold body 210 via a temperature sensor (not pictured) mounted to mold body 210. When the temperature of mold body 210 drops below the freezing point of water within mold body 210, it can be inferred that ice cube 270 is fully frozen within mold body 210.
Once ice cube has frozen, harvester may eject cube 270 from mold body 210. As shown at, for example, FIGS. 7 and 8, rotation of harvester 226 brings tine 286 into engagement with a top portion of ice cube 270. As harvester 226 continues to rotate about rotation axis A_R, ice cube 270 is motivated along first segment 244 and first elevated wall 264. Eventually, tine 286 may be rotated beneath ice cube 270 (see FIG. 8). Tine 286 may subsequently motivate or force ice cube 270 out of compartment 212 and onto stripper tines 294 as harvester 226 is rotated to ejection position (FIG. 9). In the ejected position, harvester 226 is moved to a discrete angular position (e.g., at least 180° from fill position). In some embodiments, the ejected position may force tine 286 to be substantially upright or parallel to vertical direction V. From the ejected position, ice cube 270 may be motivated, e.g., by gravity, from stripper tine 294 and/or to another portion of refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., container 144—FIG. 1).
Turning now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of ice maker 200 is illustrated. It is understood that, except as otherwise indicated, the embodiment of FIG. 10 is substantially similar to the above-described embodiments. For instance, the harvester 226 of FIG. 10 includes two separate tines 286, 288 mounted on rotation axis A_R. Each tine 286 or 288 may be axially aligned and angularly offset from the other tine 288 or 286. In other words, first tine 286 and second tine 288 may be spaced apart about rotation axis A_Rsuch that an angle α is defined therebetween, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction A (see FIG. 3). Generally, angle α can be any suitable angle. For example, angle α may be greater than about one hundred ten degrees (110°) and less than about two hundred degrees (200°). Optionally, an arcuate rib 296 may about the rotation axis A_Rfrom the first rotatable tine 286 to the second rotatable tine 288. For instance, arcuate rib 296 may form a continuous ridge on tines 286, 288. Moreover, arcuate rib 296 may define an arcuate outer surface, e.g., along a set rib radius from rotation axis A_R.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An ice maker assembly comprising:

a body comprising an ice mold for receiving and freezing water, the ice mold defining a compartment within which water freezes, the compartment at least partially defined by a continuous arcuate bottom surface comprising a first segment defined about a first radius and a second segment defined about a second radius, the second radius being smaller than the first radius; and

a harvester rotatably disposed above at least a portion of the arcuate bottom surface to motivate ice from the compartment.

2. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, wherein the compartment is defined from a top portion of the ice mold to the continuous arcuate bottom surface, and wherein the harvester comprises a rotatable tine mounted within the compartment on a rotation axis, the rotation axis being defined below the top portion of the ice mold.

3. The ice maker assembly of claim 2, wherein the ice mold defines a fill line within the compartment above the continuous arcuate bottom surface, wherein a spill gap is defined between the fill line and the top portion of the ice mold, and wherein the spill gap is longer than the second radius.

4. The ice maker assembly of claim 2, wherein an axis height is defined along a vertical direction between the continuous arcuate bottom surface and the rotation axis, and wherein the axis height is less than the first radius.

5. The ice maker assembly of claim 4, wherein the axis height is greater than the second radius.

6. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, wherein the harvester comprises a rotatable tine mounted within the compartment on a rotation axis, and wherein the rotatable tine defines a tine length greater than the second radius.

7. The ice maker assembly of claim 6, wherein the rotatable tine is a first rotatable tine, and wherein the harvester comprises a second rotatable tine mounted on the rotation axis, the second rotatable tine being angularly offset from the first rotatable tine.

8. The ice maker assembly of claim 7, wherein the harvester further comprises an arcuate rib extending about the rotation axis from the first rotatable tine to the second rotatable tine.

9. The ice maker assembly of claim 1, further comprising a heater mounted to the body in thermal communication with the continuous arcuate bottom surface to selectively direct heat thereto.

10. A refrigerator appliance comprising:

a cabinet defining a chilled chamber;

a door mounted to the cabinet; and

an ice maker assembly mounted to the door, the ice maker assembly comprising

a body comprising an ice mold for receiving and freezing water, the ice mold defining a compartment within which water freezes, the compartment at least partially defined by a continuous arcuate bottom surface comprising a first segment defined about a first radius and a second segment defined about a second radius, the second radius being smaller than the first radius, and

11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the compartment is defined from a top portion of the ice mold to the continuous arcuate bottom surface, and wherein the harvester comprises a rotatable tine mounted within the compartment on a rotation axis, the rotation axis being defined below the top portion of the ice mold.

12. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the ice mold defines a fill line within the compartment above the continuous arcuate bottom surface, wherein a spill gap is defined between the fill line and the top portion of the ice mold, and wherein the spill gap is longer than the second radius.

13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein an axis height is defined along a vertical direction between the continuous arcuate bottom surface and the rotation axis, and wherein the axis height is less than the first radius.

14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, wherein the axis height is greater than the second radius.

15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the harvester comprises a rotatable tine mounted within the compartment on a rotation axis, and wherein the rotatable tine defines a tine length greater than the second radius.

16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 15, wherein the rotatable tine is a first rotatable tine, and wherein the harvester comprises a second rotatable tine mounted on the rotation axis, the second rotatable tine being angularly offset from the first rotatable tine.

17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 16, wherein the harvester further comprises an arcuate rib extending about the rotation axis from the first rotatable tine to the second rotatable tine.

18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, further comprising a heater mounted to the body in thermal communication with the continuous arcuate bottom surface to selectively direct heat thereto.