Patent Publication Number: US-10788252-B2

Title: Ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to ice making assemblies for refrigerator appliances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include ice making assemblies mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment. The ice is stored in a storage bin and is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door. 
     However, conventional ice making assemblies are large, inefficient, and experience a variety of performance related issues. For example, conventional twist tray icemakers include a partitioned plastic mold that is physically deformed to break the bond formed between ice and the tray. However, these icemakers require additional room to fully rotate and twist the tray. In addition, the ice cubes are frequently fractured during the twisting process. When this occurs, a portion of the cubes may remain in the tray, thus resulting in overfilling during the next fill process. 
     Conventional crescent cube icemakers use heating elements to melt a portion of the ice cube and a rotating sweep arm to eject the ice cubes. However, the use of a heating element increases energy consumption and requires additional costly components. Moreover, both twist tray and crescent cube icemakers typically have large footprints and eject ice from a bottom of the icemaker, thus requiring a shorter ice storage bin with less storage capacity and lost space within the chamber or icebox. 
     Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for improved ice dispensing would be desirable. More particularly, an ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance that is compact, efficient, and reliable would be particularly beneficial. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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, an ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice making assembly includes a resilient mold defining a mold cavity for receiving water and a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the resilient mold to freeze the water and form one or more ice cubes. A lifter mechanism is positioned below the resilient mold and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position to deform the resilient mold and raise the ice cubes. A sweep assembly is positioned over the resilient mold and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position to push the ice cubes out of the resilient mold. A drive mechanism is operably coupled to the lifter mechanism and the sweep assembly to selectively raise the lifter mechanism and slide the sweep assembly to discharge the ice cubes. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door being rotatably mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber, an icebox mounted to the door and defining an ice making chamber, and an ice making assembly positioned within the ice making chamber. The ice making assembly includes a resilient mold defining a mold cavity for receiving water and a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the resilient mold to freeze the water and form one or more ice cubes. A lifter mechanism is positioned below the resilient mold and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position to deform the resilient mold and raise the ice cubes. A sweep assembly is positioned over the resilient mold and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position to push the ice cubes out of the resilient mold. A drive mechanism is operably coupled to the lifter mechanism and the sweep assembly to selectively raise the lifter mechanism and slide the sweep assembly to discharge the ice cubes. 
     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 the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1 , with the doors of the fresh food chamber shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of an icebox and ice making assembly for use with the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 4  provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 5  provides another perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6  provides another perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 7  provides a side view of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 8  provides a partial side view of a drive mechanism, a lifter assembly, and a sweep assembly of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG. 3 , with the lifter assembly in a lowered position and the sweep assembly in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 9  provides a partial side view of the drive mechanism, the lifter assembly, and the sweep assembly of  FIG. 8 , with the lifter mechanism in the raised position. 
         FIG. 10  provides a side view of the drive mechanism, the lifter assembly, and the sweep assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  provides another side view of the drive mechanism, the lifter assembly, and the sweep assembly of  FIG. 8 , with the sweep assembly in the extended position. 
         FIG. 12  provides a partial side view of the drive mechanism, the lifter assembly, and the sweep assembly of  FIG. 8 , with the lifter mechanism in the raised position and the sweep assembly in the extended position. 
         FIG. 13  provides another perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention. 
     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  102  that extends between a top  104  and a bottom  106  along a vertical direction V, between a first side  108  and a second side  110  along a lateral direction L, and between a front side  112  and a rear side  114  along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another. 
     Housing  102  defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing  102  defines fresh food chamber  122  positioned at or adjacent top  104  of housing  102  and a freezer chamber  124  arranged at or adjacent bottom  106  of housing  102 . 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, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single door 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 refrigerator chamber configuration. 
     Refrigerator doors  128  are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing  102  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 the closed configuration in  FIG. 1 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance  100  shown with refrigerator doors  128  in the open position. As shown in  FIG. 2 , various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber  122  to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins  134  and shelves  136 . Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins  134  may be mounted on refrigerator doors  128  or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber  122 . It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations. 
     Referring now generally to  FIG. 1 , a dispensing assembly  140  will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assembly  140  is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly  140  is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly  140  while remaining within the present subject matter. 
     Dispensing assembly  140  and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess  142  defined on one of refrigerator doors  128 . In this regard, dispenser recess  142  is defined on a front side  112  of refrigerator appliance  100  such that a user may operate dispensing assembly  140  without opening refrigerator door  128 . In addition, dispenser recess  142  is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess  142  is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. 
     Dispensing assembly  140  includes an ice dispenser  144  including a discharging outlet  146  for discharging ice from dispensing assembly  140 . An actuating mechanism  148 , shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet  146  for operating ice or water dispenser  144 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser  144 . For example, ice dispenser  144  can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet  146  and actuating mechanism  148  are an external part of ice dispenser  144  and are mounted in dispenser recess  142 . 
     By contrast, inside refrigerator appliance  100 , refrigerator door  128  may define an icebox  150  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin  152  that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess  142 . In this regard, for example, icebox  150  may define an ice making chamber  154  for housing an ice making assembly, a storage mechanism, and a dispensing mechanism. 
     A control panel  160  is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel  160  includes one or more selector inputs  162 , such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., 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. In addition, inputs  162  may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly  140 . In this regard, inputs  162  may be in communication with a processing device or controller  164 . Signals generated in controller  164  operate refrigerator appliance  100  and dispensing assembly  140  in response to selector inputs  162 . Additionally, a display  166 , such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel  160 . Display  166  may be in communication with controller  164 , and may display information in response to signals from controller  164 . 
     As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance  100  and dispensing assembly  140 . The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations. 
     Referring now generally to  FIGS. 3 through 13 , an ice making assembly  200  that may be used with refrigerator appliance  100  will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. As illustrated, ice making assembly  200  is mounted on icebox  150  within ice making chamber  154  and is configured for receiving a flow of water from a water supply spout  202  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). In this manner, ice making assembly  200  is generally configured for freezing the water to form ice cubes  204  which may be stored in storage bin  152  and dispensed through discharging outlet  146  by dispensing assembly  140 . However, it should be appreciated that ice making assembly  200  is described herein only for the purpose of explaining aspects of the present subject matter. Variations and modifications may be made to ice making assembly  200  while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, ice making assembly  200  could instead be positioned within freezer chamber  124  of refrigerator appliance  100  and may have any other suitable configuration. 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, ice making assembly  200  includes a resilient mold  210  that defines a mold cavity  212 . In general, resilient mold  210  is positioned below water supply spout  202  for receiving the gravity-assisted flow of water from water supply spout  202 . Resilient mold  210  may be constructed from any suitably resilient material that may be deformed to release ice cubes  204  after formation. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, resilient mold  210  is formed from silicone or another suitable hydrophobic, food-grade, and resilient material. 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, resilient mold  210  defines two mold cavities  212 , each being shaped and oriented for forming a separate ice cube  204 . In this regard, for example, water supply spout  202  is configured for refilling resilient mold  210  to a level above a divider wall (not shown) within resilient mold  210  such that the water overflows into the two mold cavities  212  evenly. According still other embodiments, water supply spout  202  could have a dedicated discharge nozzle positioned over each mold cavity  212 . Furthermore, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, ice making assembly  200  may be scaled to form any suitable number of ice cubes  204 , e.g., by increasing the number of mold cavities  212  defined by resilient mold  210 . 
     Ice making assembly  200  may further include a heat exchanger  220  which is in thermal communication with resilient mold  210  for freezing the water within mold cavities  212  to form one or more ice cubes  204 . In general, heat exchanger  220  may be formed from any suitable thermally conductive material and may be positioned in direct contact with resilient mold  210 . Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, heat exchanger  220  is formed from aluminum and is positioned directly below resilient mold  210 . Furthermore, heat exchanger  220  may define a cube recess  222  which is configured to receive resilient mold  210  and shape or define the bottom of ice cubes  204 . In this manner, heat exchanger  220  is in direct contact with resilient mold  210  over a large portion of the surface area of ice cubes  204 , e.g., to facilitate quick freezing of the water stored within mold cavities  212 . For example, heat exchanger  220  may contact resilient mold  210  over greater than approximately half of the surface area of ice cubes  204 . It should be appreciated that as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error. 
     In addition, ice making assembly  200  may comprise an inlet air duct  224  that is positioned adjacent heat exchanger  220  and is fluidly coupled with a cool air supply (e.g., illustrated as a flow of cooling air  226 ). According to the illustrated embodiment, inlet air duct  224  provides the flow of cooling air  226  from a rear end  228  of ice making assembly  200  (e.g., to the right along the lateral direction L as shown in  FIG. 8 ) through heat exchanger  220  toward a front end  230  of ice making assembly  200  (e.g., to the left along the lateral direction L as shown in  FIG. 8 , i.e., the side where ice cubes  204  are discharged into storage bin  152 ). 
     As shown, inlet air duct  224  generally receives the flow of cooling air  226  from a sealed system of refrigerator appliance  100  and directs it over and/through heat exchanger  220  to cool heat exchanger  220 . More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, heat exchanger  220  defines a plurality of heat exchange fins  232  that extend substantially parallel to the flow of cooling air  226 . In this regard, heat exchange fins  232  extend down from a top of heat exchanger  220  along a plane defined by the vertical direction V in the lateral direction L (e.g., when ice making assembly  200  is installed in refrigerator appliance  100 ). 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , ice making assembly  200  further includes a lifter mechanism  240  that is positioned below resilient mold  210  and is generally configured for facilitating the ejection of ice cubes  204  from mold cavities  212 . In this regard, lifter mechanism  240  is movable between a lowered position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 8 ) and a raised position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 9 ). Specifically, lifter mechanism  240  includes a lifter arm  242  that extends substantially along the vertical direction V and passes through a lifter channel  244  defined within heat exchanger  220 . In this manner, lifter channel  244  may guide lifter mechanism  240  as it slides along the vertical direction V. 
     In addition, lifter mechanism  240  comprises a lifter projection  246  that extends from a top of lifter arm  242  towards a rear end  228  of ice making assembly  200 . As illustrated, lifter projection  246  generally defines the profile of the bottom of ice cubes  204  and is positioned flush within a lifter recess  248  defined by heat exchanger  220  when lifter mechanism  240  is in the lowered position. In this manner, heat exchanger  220  and lifter projection  246  define a smooth bottom surface of ice cubes  204 . More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, lifter projection  246  generally curves down and away from lifter arm  242  to define a smooth divot on a bottom of ice cubes  204 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 6 , heat exchanger  220  may further define a hole for receiving a temperature sensor  250  which is used to determine when ice cubes  204  have been formed such that an ejection process may be performed. In this regard, for example, temperature sensor  250  may be in operative communication with controller  164  which may monitor the temperature of heat exchanger  220  and the time water has been in mold cavities  212  to predict when ice cubes  204  have been fully frozen. As used herein, “temperature sensor” may refer to any suitable type of temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensors may be thermocouples, thermistors, or resistance temperature detectors. In addition, although exemplary positioning of a single temperature sensor  250  is illustrated herein, it should be appreciated that ice making assembly  200  may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature sensors according to alternative embodiments. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 4 and 7-13 , ice making assembly  200  further includes a sweep assembly  260  which is positioned over resilient mold  210  is generally configured for pushing ice cubes  204  out of mold cavities  212  and into storage bin  152  after they are formed. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, sweep assembly  260  is movable along the horizontal direction (i.e., as defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T) between a retracted position (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 7 through 10 ) and an extended position (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). 
     As described in detail below, sweep assembly  260  remains in the retracted position while water is added to resilient mold  210 , throughout the entire freezing process, and as lifter mechanism  240  is moved towards the raised position. After ice cubes  204  are in the raised position, sweep assembly  260  moves horizontally from the retracted to the extended position, i.e., toward front end  230  of ice making assembly  200 . In this manner, sweep assembly pushes ice cubes  204  off of lifter mechanism  240 , out of resilient mold  210 , and over a top of heat exchanger  220  where they may fall into storage bin  152 . 
     Notably, dispensing ice cubes  204  from the top of ice making assembly  200  permits a taller storage bin  152 , and thus a larger ice storage capacity relative to ice making machines that dispense ice from a bottom of the icemaker. According to the illustrated embodiment, water supply spout  202  is positioned above resilient mold  210  for providing the flow of water into resilient mold  210 . In addition, water supply spout  202  is positioned above sweep assembly  260  such that sweep assembly  260  may move between the retracted position and an extended position without contacting water supply spout  202 . According to alternative embodiments, water supply spout  202  may be coupled to mechanical actuator which lowers water supply spout  202  close to resilient mold  210  while sweep assembly  260  is in the retracted position. In this manner, the overall height or profile of ice making assembly  200  may be further reduced, thereby maximizing ice storage capacity and minimizing wasted space. 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, sweep assembly  260  generally includes vertically extending side arms  262  that are used to drive a raised frame  264  that is positioned over top of resilient mold  210 . Specifically, raised frame  264  extends around resilient mold  210  prevents splashing of water within resilient mold  210 . This is particularly important when ice making assembly  200  is mounted on refrigerator door  128  because movement of refrigerator door  128  may cause sloshing of water within mold cavities  212 . 
     Raised frame  264  is also designed to facilitate the proper ejection of ice cubes  204 . Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, sweep assembly  260  defines a forward flange  266  that extends over mold cavities  212  along the vertical direction V proximate front end  230  of ice making assembly  200  when sweep assembly  260  is in the retracted position. In this manner, as lifter mechanism  240  is moved towards the raised position, a front end of ice cubes  204  contacts forward flange  266 , such that lifter mechanism  240  (e.g., lifter projection  246 ) and forward flange  266  cause ice cube  204  to rotate (e.g., counterclockwise as shown in  FIG. 9 ). It should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, raised frame  264  may have an open end near front end  230  of ice making assembly  200 . In this regard, forward flange  266  may not be needed to facilitate the rotation and/or discharge of ice cubes  204 . 
     In addition, as best shown in  FIGS. 8-9 and 12 , sweep assembly  260  may further define an angled pushing surface  268  proximate rear end  228  of ice making assembly  200 . In general, angled pushing surface  268  is configured for engaging ice cubes  204  while they are pivoted upward and as sweep assembly  260  is moving toward the extended position to further rotate ice cubes  204 . Specifically, angled pushing surface may extend at an angle  270  relative to the vertical direction V. According to the illustrated embodiment, angle  270  is less than about 10 degrees, though any other suitable angle for urging ice cubes to rotate 180 degrees may be used according to alternative embodiments. 
     Referring again generally to  FIGS. 4 through 12 , ice making assembly  200  may include a drive mechanism  276  which is operably coupled to both lifter mechanism  240  and sweep assembly  260  to selectively raise lifter mechanism  240  and slide sweep assembly  260  to discharge ice cubes  204  during operation. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, drive mechanism  276  comprises a drive motor  278 . As used herein, “motor” may refer to any suitable drive motor and/or transmission assembly for rotating a system component. For example, motor  178  may be a brushless DC electric motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable type or configuration of motor. Alternatively, for example, motor  178  may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of AC motor. In addition, motor  178  may include any suitable transmission assemblies, clutch mechanisms, or other components. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , motor  178  may be mechanically coupled to a rotating cam  280 . Lifter mechanism  240 , or more specifically lifter arm  242 , may ride against rotating cam  280  such that the profile of rotating cam  280  causes lifter mechanism  240  move between the lowered position and the raised position as motor  278  rotates rotating cam  280 . In addition, according to exemplary embodiment, lifter mechanism  240  may include a roller  282  mounted to the lower end of lifter arm  242  for providing a low friction interface between lifter mechanism  240  and rotating cam  280 . 
     More specifically, as best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , ice making assembly  200  may include a plurality of lifter mechanisms  240 , each of the lifter mechanisms  240  being positioned below one of the ice cubes  204  within resilient mold  210  or being configured to raise a separate portion of resilient mold  210 . In such an embodiment, rotating cams  280  are mounted on a cam shaft  284  which is mechanically coupled with motor  278 . As motor  278  rotates cam shaft  284 , rotating cams  280  may simultaneously move lifter arms  242  along the vertical direction V. In this manner, each of the plurality of rotating cams  280  may be configured for driving a respective one lifter mechanism  240 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a roller axle  286  may extend between rollers  282  of adjacent lifter mechanisms  240  to maintain a proper distance between adjacent rollers  282  and to keep them engaged on top of rotating cams  280 . 
     Referring still generally to  FIGS. 4 through 13 , drive mechanism  276  may further include a yoke wheel  290  which is mechanically coupled to motor  278  for driving sweep assembly  260 . Specifically, yoke wheel  290  may rotate along with cam shaft  284  and may include a drive pin  292  positioned at a radially outer portion of yoke wheel  290  and extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of motor  278 . In addition, side arms  262  of sweep assembly  260  may define a drive slot  294  which is configured to receive drive pin  292  during operation. Although a single yoke wheel  290  is described and illustrated herein, it should be appreciated that both side arms  262  may include yoke wheel  290  and drive slot  294  mechanisms. 
     Notably, the geometry of each drive slot  294  is defined such that drive pin  292  moves sweep assembly  260  along the horizontal direction when drive pin  292  reaches an end  296  of drive slot  294 . Notably, according to an exemplary embodiment, this occurs when lifter mechanism  240  is in the raised position. In order to provide controller  164  with knowledge of the position of yoke wheel  290  (and drive mechanism  276  more generally), ice making assembly  200  may include a position sensor  298  for determining a zero position of yoke wheel  290 . 
     For example, referring briefly to  FIG. 13 , according to the illustrated embodiment, position sensor  298  includes a magnet  300  positioned on yoke wheel  290  and a hall-effect sensor  302  mounted at a fixed position on ice making assembly  200 . As yoke wheel  290  is rotated toward a predetermined position, hall-effect sensor  302  can detect the proximity of magnet  300  and controller  164  may determine that yoke wheel  290  is in the zero position (or some other known position). Alternatively, any other suitable sensors or methods of detecting the position of yoke wheel  290  or drive mechanism  276  may be used. For example, motion sensors, camera systems, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, or simple mechanical contact switches may be used according to alternative embodiments. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment the present subject matter, motor  278  may begin to rotate after ice cubes  204  are completely frozen and ready for harvest. In this regard, motor  278  rotates rotating cam  280  (and/or cam shaft  284 ) aproximately 90 degrees to move lifter mechanism  240  from the lowered position to the raised position. In this manner, lifter projection  246  pushes resilient mold  210  upward, thereby deforming resilient mold  210  and releasing ice cubes  204 . Ice cubes  204  continue to be pushed upward until a front edge of ice cubes  204  contacts forward flange  266  such that lifter projection  246  rotates a rear end of ice cubes  204  upward. 
     Notably, as best shown in  FIG. 7 , yoke wheel  290  rotates with cam shaft  284  such that drive pin  292  rotates within drive slot  294  without moving sweep assembly  260  until yoke wheel  290  reaches the 90° position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 10 ). Thus, as motor  278  rotates past 90 degrees, lifter mechanism  240  remains in the raised position while sweep assembly  260  moves towards the extended position. In this manner, angled pushing surface  268  engages the raised end of ice cubes  204  to push them out of resilient mold  210  and rotates ice cubes  204  approximately 180 degrees before dropping them into storage bin  152 . 
     When motor  278  reaches 180 degrees rotation, sweep assembly  260  is in the fully extended position and ice cubes  204  will fall into storage bin  152  under the force of gravity. As motor  278  rotates past 180 degrees, drive pin  292  begins to pull sweep assembly  260  back toward the retracted position, e.g., via engagement with drive slot  294 . Simultaneously, the profile of rotating cam  280  is configured to begin lowering lifter mechanism  240 . When motor  278  is rotated back to the zero position, as indicated for example by position sensor  298 , sweep assembly  260  may be fully retracted, lifter mechanism  240  may be fully lowered, and resilient mold  210  may be ready for a supply fresh water. At this time, water supply spout  202  may provide a flow of fresh water into mold cavities  212  and the process may be repeated. 
     Although a specific configuration and operation of ice making assembly  200  is described above, it should be appreciated that this is provided only for the purpose of explaining aspects of the present subject matter. Modifications and variations may be applied, other configurations may be used, and the resulting configurations may remain within the scope of the invention. For example, resilient mold  210  may define any suitable number of mold cavities  212 , drive mechanism  276  may have a different configuration, or lifter mechanism  240  and sweep assembly  260  may have dedicated drive mechanisms. Furthermore, other control methods may be used to form and harvest ice cubes  204 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that such modifications and variations may remain within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     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.