REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE AND AN ICE MAKING ASSEMBLY FOR A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance and an ice making assembly for the same are provided. The ice making assembly includes an ice formation panel, a chilled air duct and a water distribution manifold. The ice formation panel may be cooled by chilled air passing through the chilled air duct, and the water distribution panel may direct liquid water over the ice formation panel. Ice cubes can be formed on the ice formation panel from the liquid water.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances and ice makers for the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain refrigerator appliances include an ice maker. To produce ice, liquid water is directed to the ice maker and frozen. A variety of ice types can be produced depending upon the particular ice maker used. For example, certain ice makers include a mold body for receiving liquid water. Within the mold body, liquid water freezes to form ice cubes. Such ice makers can also include a heater and/or an auger for harvesting ice cubes from the mold body.

Freezing water within a mold body to form ice cubes has certain drawbacks. For example, ice cubes produced in such a manner can be cloudy or opaque, and certain consumers prefer clear ice cubes. In addition, harvesting ice cubes from the mold body with the heater and auger can be energy intensive such that an efficiency of an associated refrigerator appliance is decreased. Ice formation within the mold body can also be relatively slow such that maintaining a sufficient supply of ice cubes during periods of high demand is difficult. Further, ice makers with mold bodies can occupy large volumes of valuable space within refrigerator appliances.

Accordingly, an ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance with features for generating relatively clear ice cubes would be useful. In addition, an ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance with features for generating ice cubes quickly and/or efficiently would be useful. Also, an ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance that occupies a relatively small volume within the refrigerator appliance would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a refrigerator appliance and an ice making assembly for the same. The ice making assembly includes an ice formation panel, a chilled air duct and a water distribution manifold. The ice formation panel may be cooled by chilled air passing through the chilled air duct, and the water distribution panel may direct liquid water over the ice formation panel. Ice cubes can be formed on the ice formation panel from the liquid water. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber, a door mounted to the cabinet and an ice making assembly is mounted to the door. The ice making assembly includes an ice formation panel having a front surface and a back surface. The ice formation panel extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. The ice formation panel defines a plurality of channels at the front surface of the ice formation panel. A chilled air duct is positioned at the back surface of the ice formation panel. A water distribution manifold is positioned at the top portion of the ice formation panel. The water distribution manifold has a plurality of outlets. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of channels of the ice formation panel. A water collection sump is positioned at the bottom portion of the ice formation panel.

In a second exemplary embodiment, an ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice making assembly includes an ice formation panel having a front surface and a back surface. The ice formation panel extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. The ice formation panel defines a plurality of channels at the front surface of the ice formation panel. A chilled air duct is positioned at the back surface of the ice formation panel. A water distribution manifold is positioned at the top portion of the ice formation panel. The water distribution manifold has a plurality of outlets. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of channels of the ice formation panel. A water collection sump is positioned at the bottom portion of the ice formation panel.

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 perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a door of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides an elevation view of the door of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 2 with an access door of the door shown in an open position.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an ice making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 provides a partial, section view of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 provides a section view of certain components of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 6.

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.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 120 that extends between a top portion 101 and a bottom portion 102 along a vertical direction V. Housing 120 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 120 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top portion 101 of housing 120 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom portion 102 of housing 120. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular chilled chamber configuration.

Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 120 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in a closed configuration in FIG. 1.

Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 140 for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Dispensing assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance 100, e.g., on one of doors 128. Dispenser 142 includes a discharging outlet 144 for accessing ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 144 for operating dispenser 142. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser 142. For example, dispenser 142 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. A user interface panel 148 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, user interface panel 148 includes a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.

Discharging outlet 144 and actuating mechanism 146 are an external part of dispenser 142 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 150. Dispenser recess 150 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 open doors 128. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a door of refrigerator doors 128. FIG. 3 provides an elevation view of refrigerator door 128 with an access door 166 shown in an open position. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a sub-compartment 162 defined on refrigerator door 128. Sub-compartment 162 is often referred to as an “icebox.” Sub-compartment 162 extends into fresh food chamber 122 when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position.

As may be seen in FIG. 3, an ice maker or ice making assembly 160 and an ice storage bin 164 are positioned or disposed within sub-compartment 162. Thus, ice is supplied to dispenser recess 150 (FIG. 1) from the ice making assembly 160 and/or ice storage bin 164 in sub-compartment 162 on a back side of refrigerator door 128. Chilled air from a sealed system (not shown) of refrigerator appliance 100 may be directing into ice making assembly 160 in order to cool components of ice making assembly 160. In particular, an evaporator 178, e.g., positioned at or within fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124, is configured for generating cooled or chilled air. A supply conduit 180, e.g., defined by or positioned within housing 120, extends between evaporator 178 and components of ice making assembly 160 in order to cool components of ice making assembly 160 and assist ice formation by ice making assembly 160.

During operation of ice making assembly 160, chilled air from the sealed system cools components of ice making assembly 160 to or below a freezing temperature of liquid water. Thus, ice making assembly 160 is an air cooled ice making assembly. Chilled air from the sealed system also cools ice storage bin 164. In particular, air around ice storage bin 164 can be chilled to a temperature above the freezing temperature of liquid water, e.g., to about the temperature of fresh food chamber 122, such that ice cubes in ice storage bin 164 melt over time due to being exposed to air having a temperature above the freezing temperature of liquid water. In addition, ice making assembly 160 may be also be exposed to air having a temperature above the freezing temperature of liquid water. As an example, air from fresh food chamber 122 can be directed into sub-compartment 162 such that ice making assembly 160 and/or ice storage bin 164 is exposed to air from fresh food chamber 122.

Liquid water generated during melting of ice cubes in ice storage bin 164, is directed out of ice storage bin 164. In particular, turning back to FIG. 1, liquid water from melted ice cubes is directed to an evaporation pan 172. Evaporation pan 172 is positioned within a mechanical compartment 170 defined by housing 120, e.g., at bottom portion 102 of housing 120. A condenser 174 of the sealed system can be positioned, e.g., directly, above and adjacent evaporation pan 172. Heat from condenser 174 can assist with evaporation of liquid water in evaporation pan 172. A fan 176 configured for cooling condenser 174 can also direct a flow air across or into evaporation pan 172. Thus, fan 176 can be positioned above and adjacent evaporation pan 172. Evaporation pan 172 is sized and shaped for facilitating evaporation of liquid water therein. For example, evaporation pan 172 may be open topped and extend across about a width and/or a depth of housing 120. In alternative exemplary embodiments, excess liquid water from melted ice cubes in ice storage bin 164 and/or from ice making assembly 160 can be directed to a drain, e.g., that leads to a sewer or septic waste water system.

Access door 166 is hinged to refrigerator door 128. Access door 166 permits selective access to sub-compartment 162. Any manner of suitable latch 168 is configured with sub-compartment 162 to maintain access door 166 in a closed position. As an example, latch 168 may be actuated by a consumer in order to open access door 166 for providing access into sub-compartment 162. Access door 166 can also assist with insulating sub-compartment 162.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an ice making assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of ice making assembly 200. Ice making assembly 200 can be used in any suitable refrigerator appliance. For example, ice making assembly 200 may be used in refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1) as ice making assembly 160.

As may be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, ice making assembly 200 includes ice formation panels 210. Ice formation panels 210 have a front surface 212 and a back surface 214. Front and back surfaces 212 and 214 are positioned opposite each other on ice formation panel 210, e.g., such that front and back surfaces 212 and 214 face opposite directions. Ice formation panels 210 also extend between a top portion 216 and a bottom portion 218. Top and bottom portions 216 and 218 are, e.g., vertically, spaced apart from each other. Ice formation panel 210 also defines a plurality of channels 220. Channels 220 are positioned at or adjacent front surface 212 of ice formation panel 210. Ice formation panel 210 can be constructed of or with any suitable material. For example, ice formation panel 210 may be constructed of or with stainless steel.

A plurality of, e.g., horizontal, projections 222 are disposed or positioned within channels 220. Projections 222 assist with hindering or preventing bridging of ice cubes 280. Thus, projections 222 can assist with keeping ice cubes 280 separate or distinct. As shown in FIG. 5, projections 222 may be formed on a chilled air duct 230. In alternative exemplary embodiments, projections 222 may be formed on ice formation panel 210. For example, projections 222 may be embossed on ice formation panel 210.

Ice making assembly 200 also includes chilled air duct 230. Chilled air duct 230 is positioned at or adjacent back surface 214 of ice formation panel 210. Thus, chilled air duct 230 is positioned opposite channels 220 on ice formation panel 210. Chilled air duct 230 defines an interior volume 232, an entrance 234 and an exit 236. Chilled air duct 230 is configured or arranged for receiving a flow of chilled air, e.g., from supply conduit 180 and evaporator 178 (FIG. 1). In particular, the flow of chilled air enters interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230 at entrance 234 of chilled air duct 230 and exits interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230 at exit 236 of chilled air duct 230. Chilled air within interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230 can cool ice formation panel 210, e.g., to permit or facilitate ice cube formation on ice formation panel 210, as discussed in greater detail below. Chilled air duct 230 can be constructed of or with any suitable material. For example, chilled air duct 230 may be constructed of or with molded plastic.

A water distribution manifold 240 is positioned at or adjacent top portion 216 of ice formation panel 210. Water distribution manifold 240 has or defines a plurality of outlets 242. Each outlet of outlets 242 is aligned with a respective one of channels 220. In particular, each outlet of outlets 242 may be positioned, e.g., directly, above the respective one of channels 220. Liquid water within water distribution manifold 240 can flow out of outlets 242 into channels 220. Due to chilled air within interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230, ice formation panel 210 is chilled to or below the freezing temperature of water such that liquid water flowing within channels 220 can freeze on ice formation panel 210 and form ice cubes 280 on ice formation panel 210. Ice cubes 280 can have any suitable shape. For example, ice cubes 280 may be crescent shaped.

Ice making assembly 200 can be exposed to or operate within air having a temperature greater than a freezing temperature of liquid water. Thus, liquid water within water distribution manifold 240 can be hindered from freezing during operation of ice making assembly 200. However, as discussed above, chilled air within chilled air duct 230 can permit formation of ice cubes 280 on ice formation panel 210, e.g., despite ice making assembly 200 being exposed to or operating within air having a temperature greater than a freezing temperature of liquid water.

A water collection sump 250 is positioned at bottom portion 218 of ice formation panel 210. In particular, water collection sump 250 may be positioned, e.g., directly, below channels 220 of ice formation panel 210. Thus, water collection sump 250 can receive liquid water runoff from channels 220 during operation of ice making assembly 200. A grate 254 is also positioned at bottom portion 218 of ice formation panel 210. Grate 254 may also be positioned, e.g., directly, above water collection sump 250. Grate 254 is oriented for directing harvested ice cubes 280 away from water collection sump 250. For example, grate 254 may be sloped downwardly away from ice formation panel 210 such that harvested ice cubes 280 impact grate 254 rather than falling into water collection sump 250.

By forming ice cubes 280 on ice formation panel 210 with circulating water, ice cubes 280 produced with ice making assembly 200 can be relatively clear or unclouded, e.g., due to collection of impurities or particles within water collection sump 250. In addition, ice making assembly 200 can generate ice cubes 280 quickly and/or efficiently, e.g., while occupying a relatively small volume within refrigerator appliance 100.

FIG. 6 provides a partial, section view of ice making assembly 200. As may be seen in FIG. 6, chilled air duct 230 defines a plurality of openings 238. Each opening of openings 238 extends between interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230 and back surface 214 of ice formation panel 210. In particular, each opening of openings 238 is positioned opposite a respective one of channels 220 of ice formation panel 210. Openings 238 can assist with cooling ice formation panel 210, e.g., by permitting chilled air in interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230 to contact ice formation panel 210. Openings 238 can have any suitable shape. For example, openings 238 may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, etc. in a plane that is parallel to back surface 214 of ice formation panel 210.

Ice making assembly 200 also includes a plurality of fins 260. Each fin of fins 260 is mounted to ice formation panel 210, e.g., at back surface 214 of ice formation panel 210. In addition, fins 260 are positioned with a respective one of openings 238. Fins 260 can assist with cooling ice formation panel 210, e.g., by facilitating or assisting heat transfer between chilled air in interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230 and ice formation panel 210. Fins 260 can be constructed of or with any suitable, e.g., conductive, material. For example, fins 260 may be constructed of or with aluminum or stainless steel.

FIG. 7 provides a section view of certain components of ice making assembly 200. In particular, one of fins 260 and a heating element 262 of ice making assembly 200 may be seen in FIG. 7. Heating element 262 is mounted to fins 260. For example, heating element 262 may be taped or adhered to fins 260. Heating element 262 can be any suitable heating mechanism. For example, heating element 262 may be an electric resistance heating element. Heating element 262 is operable to heat fins 260 and ice formation panel 210. Heating ice formation panel 210 with heating element 262 can assist with harvesting of ice cubes 280 from ice formation panel 210. In alternative exemplary embodiments, heating element 262 can by mounted to any other suitable component of ice making assembly 200. For example, heating element 262 may be mounted to ice formation panel 210 or chilled air duct 230. Warm water can also be directed through passages between channels 222 to assist with heating ice formation panel 210 and harvesting ice cubes 280.

As may be seen in FIG. 7, each fin of fins 260 extends from back surface 214 of ice formation panel 210 through opening 238 into interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230. Such positioning of fins 260 can assist with cooling ice formation panel 210. In particular, by extending into interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230, fins 260 can be at least partially disposed within the flow of chilled air through interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230 and heat transfer between chilled air in interior volume 232 of chilled air duct 230 and ice formation panel 210 can be facilitated.

Turning back to FIG. 3, ice making assembly 200 can also include a circulation pump 270 and a circulation conduit 272. Circulation conduit 272 extends between water collection sump 250, e.g., an outlet 252 of water collection sump 250, and water distribution manifold 240. Circulation pump 270 is operable pump liquid water from water collection sump 250 to water distribution manifold 240 through circulation conduit 272. Thus, circulation conduit 272 can place water collection sump 250 and water distribution manifold 240 in fluid communication with each other and permit liquid water to be recirculated within ice making assembly 200.

Ice making assembly 200 can further include a drain conduit 274. Drain conduit 274 extends between water collection sump 250 and evaporation pan 172 (FIG. 1). Thus, drain conduit 274 can place water collection sump 250 and evaporation pan 172 in fluid communication with each other and permit excess liquid water to drain from ice making assembly 200 to evaporation pan 172. In alternative exemplary embodiments, drain conduit 274 can extend between water collection sump 250 and a drain, e.g., that leads to a sewer or septic waste water system. Thus, drain conduit 274 can direct excess liquid water out of ice making assembly 200, e.g., to the sewer or septic waste water system.

It should be understood that front surface 212 of ice formation panel 210 need not be planar in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, front surface 212 of ice formation panel 210 can define or be constructed with a grid, e.g., of conductive material, such as aluminum or copper, within channels 220. Horizontal partitions of the grid can be angled downward. In such exemplary embodiments, liquid water from water distribution manifold 240 flows into each grid cell of the grid, and at least a portion of the liquid water freezes within each grid cell to form a, e.g., cube shaped, ice cube therein.

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

1. A refrigerator appliance, comprising:

a cabinet defining a chilled chamber;

a door mounted to the cabinet;

an ice making assembly mounted to the door, the ice making assembly comprising an ice formation panel having a front surface and a back surface, the ice formation panel extending between a top portion and a bottom portion, the ice formation panel defining a plurality of channels at the front surface of the ice formation panel; a chilled air duct positioned at the back surface of the ice formation panel; a water distribution manifold positioned at the top portion of the ice formation panel, the water distribution manifold having a plurality of outlets, each outlet of the plurality of outlets aligned with a respective one of the plurality of channels of the ice formation panel; and a water collection sump positioned at the bottom portion of the ice formation panel.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising an evaporator configured for generating cooled air and a supply conduit, the chilled air duct defining an interior volume, the supply conduit extending between the evaporator and the chilled air duct such that the supply conduit is configured for directing the cooled air from the evaporator into the interior volume of the chilled air duct.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the chilled air duct defines a plurality of openings, each opening of the plurality of openings extending between the interior volume of the chilled air duct and the back surface of the ice formation panel opposite a respective one of the plurality of channels of the ice formation panel.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 3, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a plurality of fins, each fin mounted to ice formation panel at the back surface of the ice formation panel and positioned within a respective one of the plurality of openings.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 4, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a heating element mounted to the plurality of fins.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 4, wherein each fin of the plurality of fins extends from the back surface of the ice formation panel into the interior volume of the chilled air duct.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a plurality of substantially horizontal projections, each horizontal projection of the plurality of horizontal projections mounted to the ice formation panel within a respective one of the plurality of channels of the ice formation panel.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a circulation pump and a circulation conduit, the circulation conduit extending between the water collection sump and the water distribution manifold, the circulation pump configured for selectively pumping water from the water collection sump to the water distribution manifold through the circulation conduit.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a drain conduit and an evaporation pan, the evaporation pan positioned within a mechanical chamber defined by the cabinet, the drain conduit extending between the water collection sump and the evaporation pan such that excess water within the water collection sump is directed into the evaporation pan via the drain conduit.

10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a drain conduit and a drain, the drain conduit extending between the water collection sump and the drain such that excess water within the water collection sump is directed to the drain.

11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the ice formation panel is constructed with stainless steel.

12. An ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance, comprising:

an ice formation panel having a front surface and a back surface, the ice formation panel extending between a top portion and a bottom portion, the ice formation panel defining a plurality of channels at the front surface of the ice formation panel;

a chilled air duct positioned at the back surface of the ice formation panel;

a water distribution manifold positioned at the top portion of the ice formation panel, the water distribution manifold having a plurality of outlets, each outlet of the plurality of outlets aligned with a respective one of the plurality of channels of the ice formation panel; and

a water collection sump positioned at the bottom portion of the ice formation panel.

13. The ice making assembly of claim 12, further comprising an evaporator configured for generating cooled air and a supply conduit, the chilled air duct defining an interior volume, the supply conduit extending between the evaporator and the chilled air duct such that the supply conduit is configured for directing the cooled air from the evaporator into the interior volume of the chilled air duct.

14. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the chilled air duct defines an interior volume and a plurality of openings, each opening of the plurality of openings extending between the interior volume of the chilled air duct and the back surface of the ice formation panel opposite a respective one of the plurality of channels of the ice formation panel.

15. The ice making assembly of claim 14, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a plurality of fins, each fin mounted to ice formation panel at the back surface of the ice formation panel and positioned within a respective one of the plurality of openings.

16. The ice making assembly of claim 15, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a heating element mounted to the plurality of fins.

17. The ice making assembly of claim 15, wherein each fin of the plurality of fins extends from the back surface of the ice formation panel into the interior volume of the chilled air duct.

18. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a plurality of substantially horizontal projections, each horizontal projection of the plurality of horizontal projections mounted to the ice formation panel within a respective one of the plurality of channels of the ice formation panel.

19. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a circulation pump and a circulation conduit, the circulation conduit extending between the water collection sump and the water distribution manifold, the circulation pump configured for selectively pumping water from the water collection sump to the water distribution manifold through the circulation conduit.

20. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the ice making assembly further comprises a drain conduit and a drain, the drain conduit extending between the water collection sump and the drain such that excess water within the water collection sump is directed to the drain.