Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The invention relates to the field of portable and eco-friendly ice makers, specifically those incorporating solar power and water purification technologies, ensuring efficient ice production and high-quality water in various environments, including outdoor, off-grid, and emergency settings.
PRIOR ART
[002] The Chinese Patent Application numbered CN110579050 titled “HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE ALTERNATING CURRENT AND PHOTOVOLTAIC DIRECT CURRENT DUAL-PURPOSE PORTABLE ICE MAKER” describes a compact and portable ice maker consisting of a cabinet and an ice-making barrel. The cabinet includes a top box housing a servo motor and a water pump, with a water storage tank at its upper end. The servo motor's rotating shaft is connected to a main shaft that goes through the ice-making barrel's inner cavity. The ice-making barrel has an upper top cover and features an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and drying filter in its wall. The main shaft has a rotating plate with an attached ice scraper that contacts the inner barrel wall. A lower end cover is also present at the ice-making barrel's bottom. This design concentrates the ice-making mechanism within the barrel and provides power to the water pump and servo motor through a rechargeable source. As a result, this simple and portable ice maker offers a convenient solution for outdoor enthusiasts in need of ice cubes and food cooling while minimizing resource waste.
[003] The Chinese Patent Application numbered CN108131873 titled “PORTABLE ICE MAKER” presents a portable ice maker that not only produces ice rapidly but also efficiently separates ice tubes from an ice plate using a heating device. This ice maker combines the benefits of horizontal ice production, resulting in dense and long-lasting ice cubes, and it accelerates the ice-making process by incorporating a heating device. The key components of this ice maker include the ice maker body, an ice-making space with a corresponding box door, and an ice plate situated within the ice-making space. Above the ice plate, multiple ice cube trays with a downwardly recessed design are installed. The ice plate itself is enclosed and forms a closed cavity structure. Inside this cavity structure, a refrigeration unit is positioned below the ice cube trays, and a heating unit is also incorporated. Rotary shafts are situated at both ends of the ice plate, each connected to drive motors that rotate them via transmission units. This design ensures efficient ice production and separation.
[004] The Chinese Patent Application numbered CN204753480 titled “SMALL -SIZE PORTABLE ICE MAKER THAT REMOVES” presents a compact and portable ice maker that boasts user-friendliness and a straightforward design. It operates without the need for an external power supply or additional power devices, making it adaptable to various surfaces without causing damage and, thus, facilitating widespread use. The key components of this small-sized portable ice maker include a bottom plate housing a portable charging source and a motor, which are interconnected via electrical connections. A speed control switch is installed on the portable charging source, and a rotating circular disk is mounted on the motor. This circular disk is connected to the primary motion pole through a drive bolt and a transmission line. One end of the primary motion pole is connected to the bottom plate via a locating pin and a location spring, while the other end extends outside the bottom plate and holds the deicing cutter.
[005] The Chinese Patent Application numbered CN217402915 titled “PORTABLE RAPID ICE MAKER” introduces a compact and portable ice maker that is both well-designed and innovative. It features a shell with a built-in mounting cavity, and a hinged cover plate on the upper side of the shell. The cover plate has a groove in its side wall. On the upper side of the shell, there's an ice-making groove with a heat-absorbing plate on its bottom side wall. A water outlet is present in the heat-absorbing plate. The key feature of this ice maker is the presence of several refrigerating columns arranged in a circular pattern, securely attached to the heat-absorbing plate. Inside the ice-making groove, there's an ice-making cup with multiple inserting holes in its bottom side wall. Additionally, a compressor is fixedly connected to the bottom side wall of the mounting cavity, with a first connecting pipe attached to the compressor's output end.
[006] The Chinese Patent Application numbered CN213542909 titled “PORTABLE SOLAR ICE MAKER” presents a portable solar ice maker with several key components. It features a base with an ice storage cabinet fixedly attached to one side of the upper surface, and a working box affixed to the opposite side of the base, away from the ice storage cabinet. Additionally, a containing groove is formed on the upper surface of the base, on the side opposite to the ice storage cabinet. Within the working box, there's a mechanical bin and a water tank. On top of the working box, a solar panel is installed, while an evaporator is securely connected to the working box's side wall. The solar panel is affixed to the working box using multiple fixing plates. In the center of the containing groove, a conveying belt device is firmly connected. The belt wheel rotating shaft of this device is linked to a motor.
SUMMARY
[007] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.
[008] The "Portable Solar Ice Maker with Water Purification" represents a significant advancement in eco-friendly and versatile ice production technology. Comprising carefully integrated components, this innovative device serves a dual purpose—efficiently producing ice cubes and ensuring the quality and safety of the water used in the process.
[009] At its core, a high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) solar panel is seamlessly integrated into the device's design. Positioned to capture optimal sunlight exposure, this solar panel serves as the primary source of electrical energy. It harnesses sunlight, converting it into electricity, which becomes the lifeblood of the entire system.
[010] To provide uninterrupted operation, the excess solar energy generated is meticulously stored within a rechargeable battery system. This battery acts as a power reservoir, allowing the device to function even when sunlight is scarce or during nighttime hours. A built-in charge controller manages the battery's charging process, preventing overcharging and optimizing energy utilization.
[011] The beating heart of the "Portable Solar Ice Maker" is the DC compressor-based refrigeration system. Powered by solar-generated electricity, this compact compressor circulates a refrigerant through the device's cooling cycle. Heat is actively absorbed from the device's ice-making mold, triggering the phase transition of water from liquid to solid, yielding ice cubes with remarkable efficiency.
[012] The ice-making mold, another key component, is ingeniously designed to facilitate this process. With multiple compartments for simultaneous ice cube production, this mold efficiently transfers heat from the water to the refrigerant. The result is not only rapid ice formation but also ice cubes of consistent quality, ready for use.
[013] Ensuring the water used in the ice-making process is clean and safe is paramount. The device incorporates a sophisticated water purification system with multiple stages. Pre-filters capture large particles and impurities, sediment filters further clarify the water, carbon filters eliminate odors and improve taste, while a UV lamp filter serves as the final safeguard, sterilizing and disinfecting the water.
[014] Users interact with the device through a user-friendly control panel, where they can set temperature preferences, initiate ice production, monitor progress, and check the status of water purification. Safety is paramount, with mechanisms such as overheat protection and overpressure safeguards designed to protect users and equipment, triggering when specific temperature or pressure thresholds are reached.
[015] An insulated ice storage cabinet, with a capacity tailored to user needs, ensures that the produced ice cubes remain cold and readily available. In essence, this device brings together the power of solar energy, refrigeration technology, and water purification to provide an all-in-one solution for ice production and water quality assurance. Its eco-friendly operation aligns with sustainability principles, making it suitable for diverse applications, including outdoor adventures, remote communities, and disaster relief efforts. This portable innovation offers users reliable access to clean water and high-quality ice cubes, wherever they may be.

OBJECTIVE(S)
[016] The primary objective of the invention is to develop a portable ice maker that maximizes energy efficiency by harnessing solar power to operate a DC compressor-based refrigeration system, enabling rapid and reliable ice cube production.
[017] Yet another objective is to incorporate a comprehensive water purification system with pre-filters, sediment filters, carbon filters, and UV lamp filtration to ensure the quality and safety of the water used in ice production.
[018] Yet another objective is to create a user-friendly and compact device suitable for outdoor activities, remote locations, and areas with limited access to electricity, making it easy to transport and operate.
[019] Yet another objective is to design the ice-making process to yield high-density ice cubes with consistent quality, ideal for various applications, including cooling beverages and preserving perishables.
[020] Yet another objective is to integrate a rechargeable battery system capable of storing excess solar energy to ensure continuous device operation during nighttime or cloudy conditions.
[021] Yet another objective is to incorporate safety mechanisms such as overheat protection and overpressure safeguards to enhance the device's reliability and protect users from potential hazards.
[022] Yet another objective is to design the invention to meet the practical needs of diverse users, including outdoor enthusiasts, remote communities, disaster relief efforts, and regions with limited access to clean water and ice.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S)
[023] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, example of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figure(s). These Figure(s) are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments only:
[024] FIG. 1 – Block Diagram of portable solar ice maker with water purification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[025] CALL OUT LIST
[026] 100 – monocrystalline solar power setup
[027] 101 – solar panel
[028] 102 – charge controller
[029] 103 – rechargeable battery pack
[030] 104 – power distribution circuit
[031] 105 – AC charging circuit
[032] 200 – DC compressor-based refrigeration system
[033] 201 – DC compressor
[034] 202 – evaporator
[035] 203 – condenser
[036] 204 – capillary tube setup
[037] 300 – water purification system
[038] 301 – pre-filter
[039] 302 – sediment filter
[040] 303 – carbon filter
[041] 304 – UV lamp filter
[042] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in the structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular device as shown and described herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[043] The use of terms “including,” “comprising,” “having”, “containing," or "involving” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
[044] Further, the terms, “an” and “a” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
[045] The foregoing description of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is understood that various omissions, and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.
[046] The synergy of components within the "Portable Solar Ice Maker with Water Purification" (026) device ensures a seamless operation that maximizes energy efficiency and user convenience. Solar power generation remains at the forefront of the device's operation. The high-efficiency PV solar panel (101) continuously captures sunlight and converts it into electrical energy. This energy source not only powers the DC compressor (201) but also charges the battery system (103) for energy storage, guaranteeing uninterrupted ice production and water purification even during periods of limited sunlight.
[047] The DC compressor-based refrigeration system (200) lies at the heart of the ice-making process. This efficient and compact compressor (201) generates a cooling cycle that actively draws heat away from the ice-making mold, facilitating the freezing of water into ice cubes. Engineering data such as cooling capacity, refrigerant type, and heat exchange rates are meticulously considered during the design process to ensure optimal performance.
[048] The ice-making mold, with its multiple compartments and efficient heat transfer properties, is a critical component that ensures the ice-making process is swift and reliable. It allows for simultaneous production of multiple ice cubes, making it suitable for a variety of applications, from cooling beverages to preserving perishables.
[049] The water purification system (300) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the water used for ice production is of the highest quality. With various stages of filtration, including pre-filters (301), sediment filters (302), carbon filters (303), and a UV lamp filter (304), it effectively removes impurities and sterilizes the water. Engineering data such as micron ratings, filtration efficiency, and flow rates are selected to meet stringent water quality standards.
[050] Users find ease of interaction with the device through a user-friendly control panel. This interface empowers them to customize settings, initiate ice production, monitor the status of the device, and verify the progress of water purification. Safety remains paramount, with intelligent mechanisms such as overheat protection and overpressure safeguards engineered to protect both users and the equipment, responding to specific temperature or pressure thresholds.
[051] The insulated ice storage cabinet ensures that the ice cubes produced are kept at the desired temperature until they are ready to be used. The capacity of this storage unit can be tailored to the user's requirements, making it a convenient feature for a variety of scenarios.
[052] The device features a durable and weather-resistant enclosure, with an integrated high-efficiency PV solar panel (101) affixed to the top surface. The solar panel is securely mounted, ensuring optimal sunlight exposure, and its electrical connections are sealed for weather protection.
[053] Within the device's housing, a designated compartment houses the rechargeable battery system (103), charge controller (102), and electronic components. Adequate ventilation and heat dissipation mechanisms are incorporated to maintain proper operating temperatures.
[054] The DC compressor (201), evaporator (202), condenser (203), and associated refrigeration components are strategically positioned within the housing, taking into account efficient heat exchange and cooling. Proper insulation is applied to prevent heat loss and maintain cold temperatures in the ice-making mold.
[055] The ice-making mold, typically constructed from food-grade and thermally conductive material, is fitted within the device. An insulated ice storage cabinet, with an adjustable capacity, is located adjacent to the mold, providing storage for the produced ice cubes.
[056] The water purification system (300) is housed within the device's structure. Components such as pre-filters (301), sediment filters (302), carbon filters (303), UV lamp filters (304), and associated plumbing are installed to purify the water supply.
[057] The control panel, featuring a touchscreen or buttons, is situated on the device's exterior for user interaction. It is designed to be weather-resistant and user-friendly, allowing users to customize settings and monitor the device's operation.
[058] Overheat protection and overpressure safeguards are integrated into the device's structure, with sensors and control mechanisms discreetly placed. These safety features are engineered to respond to specific temperature and pressure thresholds.
[059] The solar panel's electrical output is connected to the device's charge controller, ensuring efficient energy conversion and management. Wiring is routed through weatherproof conduits to protect electrical connections. The rechargeable battery system is securely mounted within its compartment, with proper electrical connections to the charge controller. Safety mechanisms, including fuses and circuit protection, are integrated to safeguard the battery and electronic components.
[060] The DC compressor, evaporator, and condenser are meticulously positioned to optimize the cooling cycle. Refrigerant lines and fittings are professionally installed to maintain system integrity.
[061] The ice-making mold is designed to fit seamlessly within the device, with secure mounting and thermal insulation. The adjacent ice storage cabinet is insulated to maintain low temperatures.
[062] The water purification system components, including filters and UV lamps, are interconnected via high-quality plumbing. Quick-connect fittings ensure leak-proof connections and ease of maintenance.
[063] The control panel is integrated into the device's exterior, with a weather-resistant enclosure and user-friendly interface. Wiring connections are properly sealed to prevent water ingress.
[064] Overheat protection sensors are strategically placed near critical components, while pressure relief mechanisms are integrated into the refrigeration system. These safety features are interconnected with the device's control system.
[065] The foregoing descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. , Claims:I/We Claim
1. A portable solar ice maker device, comprising:
A monocrystalline solar power setup (100);
An AC charging circuit (105);
A DC compressor-based refrigeration system (200);
An ice-making mold designed for rapid ice cube formation (205);
An insulated ice storage cabinet for preserving ice cubes (206); and
A water purification system (300).
2. The portable solar ice maker device according to claim 1, wherein the solar power setup further comprises:
a solar panel (101);
a charge controller (102);
a rechargeable battery pack (103); and
a power distribution circuit (104).
3. The portable solar ice maker device according to claim 1, wherein the DC compressor-based refrigeration system further comprises:
a DC compressor (201);
an evaporator (202);
a condenser (203); and
a capillary tube setup (204).
4. The portable solar ice maker device according to claim 1, wherein the water purification system further comprises:
a pre-filter (301);
a sediment filter (302);
a carbon filter (303); and
a UV lamp filter (304).