An icing machine, in the context of an ice maker in a refrigerator, works by automatically harvesting ice cubes and dispensing them into a bucket. Here's a breakdown:
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Ice Cube Formation: This involves freezing water in ice cube molds. The exact method varies between ice maker designs.
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Harvesting: Once the ice cubes are frozen, a mechanism is triggered to release them. This is often achieved through a heater slightly warming the molds, causing the cubes to loosen.
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Ejection/Pushing: A harvesting arm (also called an ejector arm) rotates to push the ice cubes out of the molds and into the ice bucket assembly.
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Shut-Off Arm (or Sensor): A shutoff arm, or an electronic sensor, detects the ice level in the bucket. As the ice level rises, the arm rises as well. When the arm reaches a certain height (or the sensor detects a full bucket), the ice-making process is paused to prevent overflow. This arm can also lower after ice is used, signaling the machine to begin making more ice.
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Ice Storage and Dispensing: The ice cubes are stored in an ice bucket. When ice is requested, a dispensing mechanism (usually a rotating auger or a similar device) moves the ice forward and out of the dispenser chute.
In essence, an icing machine automates the process of making, harvesting, storing, and dispensing ice.
