WO2020152658A2

WO2020152658A2 - Air-to-ice water making apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2020152658A2
Application number: PCT/IB2020/050621
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maynard MELSON
Original assignee: Melson Maynard
Priority date: 2019-01-25
Filing date: 2020-01-27
Publication date: 2020-07-30
Also published as: US20200240124A1; WO2020152658A3

Abstract

An air-to-ice water making apparatus includes a top freezer section, a bottom storage section, a main solenoid valve, an air compressor, an air inlet, a water outlet, a control unit, and a power receptacle. The top freezer section is adjacently connected atop the bottom storage section. A freezer compartment of the top freezer section is in fluid communication with a storage compartment of the bottom storage section through the main solenoid valve. The air compressor being in fluid communication with the top freezer section through the air inlet that is hermetically integrated into the freezer compartment. The water outlet is integrated into the storage compartment and is in fluid communication with the bottom storage section. The top freezer section, the main solenoid valve, and the air compressor are electronically connected to the control unit and electrically connected to the power receptacle for the efficient operation.

Description

Air-to-Ice Water Making Apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to water making apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention is a water making apparatus that produces water by melting ice that is generated within said apparatus from forced air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In present society, drinkable water is becoming a growing scarcity. Currently, many devices exist that try to address this issue. Such devices often try to generate water by harvesting dew, frost, and/or mist, or through high humidity atmospheric conditions near the equator. However, these devices are often not efficient at generating water in or suitable for locations not near the equator and/or in high humidity. Therefore, it would be ideal for a water making apparatus to be efficient or equally operable in any

environmental condition and/or locations. Additionally, most water dispensing and/or making machine can sometimes have to rely on a regular subscription for deliveries of filled water tanks. It would also be ideal for a water making apparatus to be capable of producing water at the level or rate in which such subscriptions are unnecessary.

An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a device that is an air-to-ice water making apparatus. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that apply to supply air flow into a chamber that is chilled to allow for ice to be generated. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that can melt the ice accumulated within the chamber into water which is collected in a tank beneath the chamber. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that allows the user to monitor the water level within the tank. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that contains a means for dispensing the water collected within the tank. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that contains an air compressor or air pump that supplies the air to the chamber. The basic concept of the present invention is attained from a broken refrigerator freezer compartment, that leaks ice water, after fixing it with a cup to catch the ice water. Resultantly, concept of device that makes air-to-ice water modeled after the aforementioned problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the present invention, wherein the freezer door and the storage door are opened to show the internal components.

FIG. 4 is a left view of the present invention without the freezer door and the storage door.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical connection of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the electronic connection of the present invention.

DETAIF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is an air-to-ice water making apparatus that can be operational in any environmental condition and/or locations. The present invention is a portable unit and can be placed or operated in any location as long as an external power source, such as generator, electrical outlet, or renewable energy source, is able to power the present invention. The present invention comprises a top freezer section 1, a bottom storage section 7, a main solenoid valve 15, an air compressor 18, an air inlet 16, a water outlet 17, a control unit 13, and a power receptacle 25 as shown in FIG. 1-4. In reference to the general configuration of the present invention, the top freezer section 1 is adjacently connected atop the bottom storage section 7 thus

compartmentalizing the present invention. The top freezer section 1 is mainly utilized to converts a flow of outside air into ice and then into water by melting the ice. The bottom storage section 7 is mainly utilized to store water that is attained through an ice melting process of the top freezer section 1. A freezer compartment 2 of the top freezer section 1 is in fluid communication with a storage compartment 8 of the bottom storage section 7 through the main solenoid valve 15 in such a way that the main solenoid valve 15 selectively closes to initiate an ice making process and opens to discharge water into the storage compartment 8. The air inlet 16 is hermetically integrated into the freezer compartment 2 so that the air compressor 18 can be in fluid communication with the top freezer section 1 through the air inlet 16. As a result, the air compressor 18 is able to discharge the flow of outside air into the freezer compartment 2. The water outlet 17 is integrated into the storage compartment 8 and is in fluid communication with the bottom storage section 7 so that the water can be discharged out of the present invention to drink. The top freezer section 1, the main solenoid valve 15, and the air compressor 18 are electronically connected to the control unit 13 and electrically connected to the power receptacle 25 so that any electrical components of the present invention can be operated and powered.

The top freezer section 1 that converts air to ice and ice to water, comprises a freezer door 3, a top handle 4, an air vent 5, and a return vent 6 as shown in FIG. 4. The freezer compartment 2 is an insulated body and connected onto the storage compartment 8. The freezer door 3 is an insulated door and hingedly connected to the freezer compartment 2. As a result, the freezer compartment 2 and the freezer door 3 are able to delineate an insulated storage space within the present invention. The top handle 4 is externally connected onto the freezer door 3 and mainly utilized to open and close the freezer door 3 when necessary. The air vent 5 and the return vent 6 are integrated into the freezer compartment 2 so that a refrigeration system 14 of the present invention can be operatively coupled with the top freezer section 1. More specifically, the refrigeration system 14 is operatively coupled with the air vent 5 so that a flow of cold air of the refrigeration system 14 can be discharged into the freezer compartment 2 through the air vent 5. The flow of cold air is then able to absorb heat from the flow of outside air initiating the ice making process. The refrigeration system 14 is operatively coupled with the return vent 6 so that a flow of warm air from the freezer compartment 2 can be returned to the refrigeration system 14 through the return vent 6. As a result of the continuous cycle of the introducing the flow of cold air and retracting the flow of warm air, the present invention is able to convert the moisture content within the flow of outside air into ice. In order to maintain a freezing temperature within the freezer compartment 2, the refrigeration system 14 is electronically connected to the control unit 13 and electrically connected to the power receptacle 25. More specifically, the electrical connection powers the refrigeration system 14 while the control unit 13 functions as the computing device that controls and operates the refrigeration system 14. For example, the control unit 13 maintains an operational status for the refrigeration system 14 during the ice making process. Once the ice making process is completed, the control unit 13 maintains a non-operational status for the refrigeration system 14 so that the ice melting process can be initiated.

In reference to FIG. 5-6, the air vent 5 is electrically connected to the power receptacle 25 and electronically connected to the control unit 13 to efficiently discharge the flow of cold air of the refrigeration system 14. More specifically, a fan of the air vent 5 is electrically connected to the power receptacle 25 and electronically connected to the control unit 13 so that the flow of cold air can be forced into the freezer compartment 2. The fan is powered through the power receptacle 25 so that the fan can be operational. The electronic connection between the fan and the control unit 13 determines when to turn on and turn off the fan which is directly related to the operational status and the non- operational status of the refrigeration system 14. For example, when the refrigeration system 14 is within the operational status, the fan is turned on to accelerate the discharging of the flow of cold air. When the refrigeration system 14 is within the non- operational status, the fan is turned off to save electricity and assist the ice melting process.

In reference to FIG. 2, the present invention further comprises a connector hose 19. More specifically, an air outlet 32 of the compressor is in fluid communication with a first end 30 of the connector hose 19, and the air inlet 16 is in fluid communication with a second end 31 of the connector hose 19. Preferably, the first end 30 and the second end 31 are fitted with quick connect fasteners so that the connector hose 19 can easily and hermetically attach with the air outlet 32 of the air compressor 18 and the air inlet 16.

In reference to FIG. 4, the present invention further comprises an air filtration unit 23 that purifies the flow of outside air before entering into the freezer compartment 2. More specifically, the air inlet 16 is in fluid communication with the second end 31 of the connector hose 19 through the air filtration unit 23. Preferably, the air filtration unit 23 is an electrostatic air filter to clean the flow of outside air through static electricity.

However, the present invention can utilize any other types of air filters or air purifying systems as the air filtration unit 23.

The bottom storage section 7, which is primary utilized to store water, comprises a storage door 9, a bottom handle 10, and a water reservoir 11 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. The storage compartment 8 is connected below the freezer compartment 2 so that the main solenoid valve 15 can open to discharge water from the freezer compartment 2. The storage door 9 is hingedly connected to the storage compartment 8. The bottom handle 10 is externally connected onto the storage door 9 thus enabling the storage door 9 to be open and close. The storage compartment 8 and the storage door 9 delineate an opening so that the water reservoir 11 can be enclosed within. More specifically, the water reservoir 11 is a removable container and placed within the storage compartment 8 as the storage door 9 protect and conceal the water reservoir 11 from outside elements. Due to the fast the water reservoir 11 is positioned below the main solenoid valve 15, water from the freezer compartment 2 can be released into the water reservoir 11.

The present invention further comprises a water level switch that is integrated into the water reservoir 11. The water level switch is electrically connected to the power receptacle 25 and electronically connected to the control unit 13 so that the main solenoid valve 15 can be automatically closed when the water reaches the maximum fill level of the water reservoir 11 to prevent overfilling of the water reservoir 11.

In reference to FIG. 4, the present invention further comprises a water filtration unit 24 that is preferably mounted to the storage compartment 8. The water outlet 17 is in fluid communication with the water reservoir 11 through the water filtration unit 24 in order to remove any sediment, bacteria, or any other types of harmful elements. As a result, when the user opens the water outlet 17 to get water, the water from the water reservoir 11 travels through the water filtration unit 24 and discharges through the water outlet 17 as cleaned and purified water.

Optionally, the present invention may comprise a pump that is mounted to the storage compartment 8 or submerged within the water reservoir 11 so that the water can be pumped into the water filtration unit 24. Resultantly, the present invention is able to pressurize the water that discharges through the water outlet 17. If the pump is not present, the present invention utilizes gravitational force to pressurize the water that discharges through the water outlet 17.

In reference to FIG.l and FIG. 4, the present invention further comprises a water gage 12 that is connected onto the storage compartment 8. The water gage 12 indicates quantity of water within the water reservoir 11 so that the user do not have open the storage door 9 and manually check the water level within the water reservoir 11. In order to accurately display the quantity of water within he water reservoir 11, the water gage 12 is in fluid communication with the water reservoir 11. Preferably, the water gage 12 is positioned adjacent to the water outlet 17 so that the user can easily view the level of water within the water reservoir 11 when the user is about to collect water from the water outlet 17.

In reference to FIG. 5-6, the present invention further comprises an automatic defrosting system 20 that enables the ice melting process. The automatic defrosting system 20 is integrated into the freezer compartment 2 so that the automatic defrosting system 20 can be selectively activated through the control unit 13 to initiate the ice melting process. More specifically, the automatic defrosting system 20 is electronically connected to the control unit 13 thus enabling the control unit 13 to turn on and turn off the automatic defrosting system 20 to initiate the ice melting process. The automatic defrosting system 20 is electrically connected to the power receptacle 25 so that the automatic defrosting system 20 can be powered within the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 4-6, the present invention further comprises an ice thickness measuring system 21 that conjunctionally works with the automatic defrosting system 20. The ice thickness measuring system 21 is integrated into the freezer compartment 2 and detects the thickness of ice. The ice thickness measuring system 21 is electronically connected to the control unit 13 and electrically connected to the power receptacle 25 for efficient operation of the ice thickness measuring system 21. More specifically, the ice thickness measuring system 21 comprises a maximum threshold which is programmed into the control unit 13. Once the maximum threshold is detected through the ice thickness measuring system 21, the control unit 13 turns off the fan and the refrigeration system 14 in order to initiate the ice melting process. Simultaneously, the main solenoid valve 15 is opened so that water can be discharged into the water reservoir 11 and air compressor 18 is turned off to stop the flow of outside air. Once the ice melting process is completed within the freezer compartment 2, the control unit 13 close the main solenoid, turns on the air compressor 18, the fan, and refrigeration system 14 so that the ice making process can restart.

In reference to FIG. 4, the present invention further comprises a pressure relief valve 22. The pressure relief valve 22 is integrated into the freezer compartment 2 so that the pressure within the freezer compartment 2 can be controlled. More specifically, when the freezer compartment 2 reaches the maximum pressure, the pressure relief valve 22 is turned on to relief excess pressure build up within the freezer compartment 2 that can be structurally damaging to the present invention. Since operation of the air compressor 18 is not related to the internal pressure of the freezer compartment 2, the pressure relief valve 22 is critical to the present invention as the air compressor 18 is able to

continuously supply the flow of outside air until the maximum threshold is detected through the ice thickness measuring system 21.

The present invention further comprises a user interface that allows an individual to control all of the electronic systems of the present invention. For example, the user interface enables the user to turn on or turn off the power to present invention, control parameters of the refrigeration system 14, and adjust the pressure relief valve 22.

Furthermore, the user interface also displays system warnings and recommendations such as maintenance information about the air filtration unit 23 and the water filtration unit 24 for optimal functional.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred

embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An air-to-ice water making apparatus comprising:

a top freezer section;

a bottom storage section;

a main solenoid valve;

an air compressor;

an air inlet;

a water outlet;

a control unit;

a power receptacle;

the top freezer section being adjacently connected atop the bottom storage section;

a freezer compartment of the top freezer section being in fluid communication with a storage compartment of the bottom storage section through the main solenoid valve;

the air inlet being hermetically integrated into the freezer compartment; the air compressor being in fluid communication with the top freezer section through the air inlet;

the water outlet being integrated into the storage compartment;

the water outlet being in fluid communication with the bottom storage section;

the top freezer section, the main solenoid valve, and the air compressor being electronically connected to the control unit; and

the top freezer section, the main solenoid valve, and the air compressor being electrically connected to the power receptacle.

2. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the top freezer section comprising a freezer door, a top handle, an air vent, and a return vent;

the freezer compartment being connected onto the storage compartment; the freezer door being hingedly connected to the freezer compartment; the top handle being externally connected onto the freezer door;

the air vent being integrated into the freezer compartment; and the return vent being integrated into the freezer compartment.

3. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprising:

the air vent being electrically connected to the power receptacle; and the air vent being electronically connected to the control unit.

4. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

a connector hose;

an air outlet of the air compressor being in fluid communication with a first end of the connector hose; and

the air inlet being in fluid communication with a second end of the connector hose.

5. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 4 comprising:

an air filtration unit; and

the air inlet being in fluid communication with the second end of the connector hose through the air filtration unit.

6. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the bottom storage section comprising a storage door, a bottom handle, and a water reservoir;

the storage compartment being connected below the freezer compartment; the storage door being hingedly connected to the storage compartment; the bottom handle being externally connected onto the storage door; and the water reservoir being enclosed within the storage compartment and the storage door.

7. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprising;

a water filtration unit; and the water outlet being in fluid communication with the water reservoir through the water filtration unit.

8. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprising:

a water gage;

the water gage being connected onto the storage compartment; and the water gage being in fluid communication with the water reservoir.

9. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

a refrigeration system;

the top freezer section comprising an air vent and a return vent; the refrigeration system being operatively coupled with the air vent, wherein a flow of cold air of the refrigeration system is discharged into the freezer compartment through the air vent;

the refrigeration system being operatively coupled with the return vent, wherein a flow of warm air from the freezer compartment is returned to the refrigeration system through the return vent;

the refrigeration system being electronically connected to the control unit; and

the refrigeration system being electrically connected to the power receptacle.

10. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

an automatic defrosting system;

the automatic defrosting system being integrated into the freezer compartment;

the automatic defrosting system being electronically connected to the control unit; and

the automatic defrosting system being electrically connected to the power receptacle.

11. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

an ice thickness measuring system;

the ice thickness measuring system being integrated into the freezer compartment;

the ice thickness measuring system being electronically connected to the control unit; and

the ice thickness measuring system being electrically connected to the power receptacle.

12. The air-to-ice water making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

a pressure relief valve; and

the pressure relief valve being integrated into the freezer compartment.