Ice making device for ice block impact test

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ice making device for an ice block impact test, and belongs to the technical field of ice making. The ice making device comprises an ice making assembly and a stirring assembly, wherein the ice making assembly comprises a box body for containing pure water to be solidified; the stirring assembly comprises a lifting unit, a stirring unit and a control unit; the lifting unit comprises a lifting rod capable of lifting relative to the box body, the stirring unit comprises a stirring paddle and a rotatable transmission shaft, one end of the transmission shaft is rotationally connected with the lifting rod and is axially locked, and the other end of the transmission shaft is detachably connected with the stirring paddle; the lifting rod can drive the stirring paddle to be immersed in the pure water, and the control unit is electrically connected with the lifting unit, so that when the temperature of the pure water is reduced to zero DEG C, the lifting rod is controlled to drive the stirring paddle to stop rotating and be separated from the pure water. According to the ice maker, internal bubbles generated in the ice making process can be eliminated, and an ice body structure with uniform density is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice-making technology, and in particular to an ice-making device for ice block impact testing. Background Technology

[0002] Ships encounter various complex environments while sailing at sea. To improve their seaworthiness, various experiments are needed to simulate the impact of different environments on their navigation.

[0003] One type of experiment is the ice impact test, used to verify the ship's hull structure's resistance to ice impacts. Existing ice-making equipment leaves air bubbles on the surface of the ice during the ice-making process, resulting in an uneven surface and affecting the overall properties of the ice. This significantly differs from real sea ice, leading to poor simulation and inaccurate experimental results. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an ice-making device for ice impact testing to solve the problem that existing ice-making equipment cannot effectively remove gas from ice, affecting the smoothness of the ice surface and various properties.

[0005] This utility model provides an ice-making device for ice impact testing, comprising:

[0006] An ice-making assembly, the ice-making assembly including a tank for holding pure water to be frozen;

[0007] A stirring assembly includes a lifting unit, a stirring unit, and a control unit. The lifting unit includes a lifting rod that can be raised and lowered relative to the housing. The stirring unit includes a stirring paddle and a rotatable drive shaft. One end of the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the lifting rod and axially locked, while the other end of the drive shaft is detachably connected to the stirring paddle. The lifting rod can drive the stirring paddle to be immersed in pure water. The control unit is electrically connected to the lifting unit to control the lifting rod to drive the stirring paddle to stop rotating and detach from the pure water when the pure water temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius.

[0008] Furthermore, the stirring paddle includes multiple blades, the blades having an inclination angle of 15°-30°.

[0009] Furthermore, the blade is a mesh blade.

[0010] Furthermore, the distance between the stirring paddle submerged in pure water and the surface of the pure water is 1cm-3cm.

[0011] Furthermore, the control unit includes an extension rod, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The two ends of the extension rod are connected to the lifting rod and the temperature sensor, respectively. The temperature sensor is able to contact the surface of the pure water when the stirring paddle is immersed in pure water. The controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the stirring unit, and the lifting unit, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, the stirring unit also includes a rotation drive component, which is fixedly connected to the lifting rod, and the output end of the rotation drive component is connected to the transmission shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, the lifting unit also includes a vertically arranged linear drive component, which is detachably connected to the side wall of the housing; the output end of the linear drive component is fixedly connected to the lifting rod to drive the lifting rod to move vertically.

[0014] Furthermore, the ice-making assembly also includes a refrigeration unit, which is located at the bottom of the housing and is capable of cooling pure water from the bottom of the housing.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] (1) This utility model provides an ice-making device for ice impact testing, which includes a stirring assembly. The stirring assembly includes a lifting unit, a stirring unit, and a control unit. The lifting unit includes a lifting rod that can move up and down relative to the housing. The stirring unit includes a stirring paddle and a rotatable drive shaft. One end of the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the lifting rod, and the axial direction of the drive shaft is locked relative to the lifting rod. The other end of the drive shaft is detachably connected to the stirring paddle. The lifting rod can drive the stirring paddle to move relative to the housing and be immersed in pure water. The drive shaft can drive the stirring paddle to rotate relative to the housing. The stirring paddle disturbs the water flow, causing dissolved gases to escape upwards, forming a uniformly dense ice structure, improving the flatness of the ice surface, and making its mechanical properties closer to those of real ocean ice, thereby ensuring the reliability and accuracy of ship impact test data.

[0017] (2) An ice-making device for ice impact testing according to the present invention is provided with a control unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the lifting unit. When the pure water reaches zero degrees, the control unit controls the stirring paddle to stop rotating and detach from the liquid. The controller simultaneously cuts off the motor power and starts the lifting mechanism, so that the stirring paddle detaches from the water surface in the early stage of ice crystal formation. This can avoid the stirring paddle from interfering with the formation of ice crystals and also prevent the stirring paddle from rotating at the interface between air and pure water, thus preventing air from being introduced into the water. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the stirring assembly in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stirring paddle in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stirring paddle in this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram, 100 is the ice-making component; 110 is the cabinet; and 120 is the refrigeration unit.

[0025] 200. Stirring assembly; 210. Lifting unit; 211. Lifting rod; 212. Linear drive; 220. Stirring unit; 221. Stirring paddle; 221a. Blade; 222. Drive shaft; 223. Rotary drive; 230. Control unit; 231. Extension rod; 232. Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of this application and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0027] This embodiment describes an ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing, relating to the field of ice-making technology. A stirring component 200 is installed on the surface of pure water to gently agitate the surface, promoting the expulsion of air and eliminating internal air bubbles generated during the ice-making process, thus forming a uniformly dense ice structure. The prepared ice has significantly improved surface smoothness, and its mechanical properties are closer to those of real ocean ice, thereby ensuring the reliability and accuracy of ship impact test data.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 5An ice-making device for ice impact testing in this embodiment includes an ice-making component 100 and a stirring component 200. The ice-making component 100 can cool pure water to solidification, and the stirring component 200 can stir the surface of the pure water, expel air, and improve the quality of the formed ice block.

[0029] The ice-making component 100 includes a container 110 for holding pure water, which can be frozen into ice cubes inside the container 110.

[0030] The stirring assembly 200 includes a lifting unit 210, a stirring unit 220, and a control unit 230. The lifting unit 210 includes a lifting rod 211 that can move up and down relative to the housing 110. The stirring unit 220 includes a stirring paddle 221 and a rotatable drive shaft 222. One end of the drive shaft 222 is rotatably connected to the lifting rod 211, and the axial direction of the drive shaft 222 is locked relative to the lifting rod 211. The other end of the drive shaft 222 is detachably connected to the stirring paddle 221. The lifting rod 211 can drive the stirring paddle 221 to move relative to the housing 110 and be immersed in pure water. The drive shaft 222 can drive the stirring paddle 221 to rotate relative to it. The stirring paddle 221 disturbs the water flow, causing dissolved gases to escape upwards, forming a uniformly dense ice structure, improving the flatness of the ice surface, and making its mechanical properties closer to those of real ocean ice, thereby ensuring the reliability and accuracy of ship impact test data.

[0031] The control unit 230 is electrically connected to the lifting unit 210. When the pure water reaches zero degrees, the control unit 230 controls the stirring paddle 221 to stop rotating and detach from the liquid.

[0032] During use, when the temperature sensor 232 detects that the water temperature has dropped to zero degrees, the controller simultaneously cuts off the motor power and starts the lifting mechanism, so that the stirring paddle 221 is removed from the water surface in the early stage of ice crystal formation. This can prevent the stirring paddle 221 from interfering with the formation of ice crystals, and also prevent the stirring paddle 221 from rotating at the interface between air and pure water, thus preventing air from being introduced into the water.

[0033] It should be noted that axial locking means that the drive shaft 222 cannot move along its own axis at the rotating connection of the connecting rod. This can be achieved by using a keyway fit or a flange structure to ensure that the drive shaft 222 maintains a stable axis of rotation during lifting and lowering.

[0034] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The agitator 221 includes multiple blades 221a, and the inclination angle of the blades 221a is 15°-30°. The inclination angle of the blades 221a is the angle between the plane of the blades 221a and the rotation plane of the agitator 221. The range of the angle directly determines the intensity of water flow disturbance and the efficiency of bubble discharge.

[0035] During the cooling process of pure water, the inclined blades 221a rotate with the drive shaft 222, driving the water flow to form a spiraling upward vortex. When the inclination angle is within the range of 15°-30°, the blades 221a can generate sufficient tangential force to maintain the continuous circulation of water flow, while avoiding the phenomenon of bubble entrainment caused by excessively strong vortices due to excessive inclination angle. As the water flow rises along the spiral trajectory, dissolved gases are gradually carried to the water surface and discharged. At the same time, ice crystals formed in the low-temperature environment are evenly distributed under the action of the vortex, eventually forming ice blocks with a dense internal structure.

[0036] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 The blade 221a is a mesh blade 221a, which refers to a flat structure with multiple regular or irregular holes. Specifically, it can be made of stainless steel, plastic or composite materials by stamping or injection molding. During the stirring process, the holes can reduce the contact area between the blade 221a and the water flow, reduce rotational resistance, and at the same time promote the formation of vortices by the water flow through the holes, so that the air bubbles are cut and dispersed in the vortex.

[0037] The mesh structure provides a finer disturbance than the solid blades of the 221a, creating a smooth, low-shear laminar flow that helps propel air bubbles slowly to the surface without causing localized turbulence or air intake. When microbubbles come into contact with the mesh surface, they may merge into larger bubbles due to adhesion or sliding and quickly rise to the surface, thus purifying the microbubble suspension layer in the water to some extent.

[0038] Specifically, during the ice-making process, when the mesh blades 221a of the stirring paddle 221 are immersed in pure water and rotate, the pores on the surface of the blades 221a exert a shearing effect on the water flow, causing local turbulence as the water flows through the pores. This turbulence breaks the dissolved air bubbles in the pure water into smaller volumes and accelerates their escape towards the liquid surface, preventing the air bubbles from being trapped inside or on the surface of the ice during the freezing process. When the pure water temperature approaches zero degrees Celsius, the control unit 230 drives the lifting unit 210 to lift the stirring paddle 221 out of the water surface. At this time, the residual water film on the mesh blades 221a quickly flows back to the housing 110 due to gravity, reducing the risk of adhesion between the blades 221a and the ice.

[0039] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The distance between the stirring paddle 221 submerged in pure water and the surface of the pure water is 1cm-3cm. The distance between the water surface and the surface refers to the vertical distance between the uppermost blade 221a of the stirring paddle 221 and the surface of the pure water. This distance can reduce the disturbance to the water surface when the stirring paddle 221 rotates and prevent air bubbles from being drawn into the water.

[0040] The impeller blades 221a of the agitator 221 are spaced 1 to 3 centimeters apart from the water surface. In this state, the agitator 221 continuously rotates on the surface of the pure water, promoting the expulsion of air concentrated on the surface of the pure water without causing excessive disturbance to the middle and lower layers of the pure water. At the same time, the rotation of the agitator 221 cannot directly act on the contact surface between the pure water and the air, preventing air in the atmosphere from invading back into the pure water.

[0041] Compared to existing technologies, conventional ice-making equipment does not limit the distance between the stirring paddle 221 and the water surface. During stirring, if the paddle blades are too close to the water surface, it will disrupt the surface tension, causing air bubbles to be trapped in the ice layer. If the paddle blades are positioned too low, it will not effectively promote water convection. By limiting a specific distance range, both the uniformity of water flow and the problem of air bubble residue caused by water surface disturbance can be maintained.

[0042] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The control unit 230 includes an extension rod 231, a temperature sensor 232, and a controller. The two ends of the extension rod 231 are connected to the lifting rod 211 and the temperature sensor 232, respectively. The temperature sensor 232 can contact the surface of the pure water when the stirring paddle 221 is immersed in pure water. The controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 232, the stirring unit 220, and the lifting unit 210, respectively.

[0043] The extension rod 231 is a rigid component used to transmit the relative position between the connecting rod and the temperature sensor 232. By setting a fixed length for the extension rod 231, the temperature sensor 232 is ensured to always be in the liquid level detection position. The temperature sensor 232 is a detection device used to measure the liquid temperature, which can be implemented using a platinum resistance thermometer or a thermocouple. It monitors changes in liquid surface temperature in real time through a contact temperature measurement method.

[0044] The controller is an electronic module with signal processing and logic judgment functions, which can be implemented using a PLC or a microcontroller. It coordinates the actions of the lifting unit 210 and the stirring unit 220 by receiving temperature signals and outputting control commands. Specifically, when the stirring paddle 221 is driven by the connecting rod to be immersed in pure water, the extension rod 231 drives the temperature sensor 232 to move down synchronously until it contacts the surface of the pure water. During the ice-making process, the temperature sensor 232 continuously collects liquid surface temperature data. When the temperature reaches the freezing critical value, the controller immediately cuts off the drive power of the stirring unit 220 and starts the lifting unit 210 to lift the connecting rod upward, so that the stirring paddle 221 is removed from the pure water. The entire control process requires no manual intervention, ensuring that the stirring action is terminated in time at the moment ice crystals form.

[0045] Compared to existing technologies, traditional ice-making devices typically rely on preset time parameters or manual observation to determine the ice layer state, resulting in temperature feedback delays or operational errors. The sensor, through a combination of liquid surface contact temperature detection and an automatic control system, achieves real-time and accurate judgment of the ice formation process, avoiding damage to the ice layer structure caused by the residual movement of the stirring paddle 221.

[0046] The length of the extension rod 231 is a set value. The temperature sensor 232 located at the end of the extension rod 231 can be in contact with the surface of the pure water when the stirring paddle 221 is immersed in pure water. When the surface temperature of the pure water drops from around zero to zero degrees, the pure water as a whole has reached the critical point of ice-water mixing. At this time, driving the stirring paddle 221 out of the pure water can prevent the stirring paddle 221 from interfering with the formation of ice crystals.

[0047] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The stirring unit 220 also includes a rotation drive 223, which is fixedly connected to the connecting rod, and the output end of the rotation drive 223 is connected to the transmission shaft 222.

[0048] The rotary drive component 223 is a power device used to drive the transmission shaft 222 to rotate. Specifically, it can be implemented using a servo motor or a stepper motor, which can precisely control the speed and direction of rotation of the stirring paddle 221. The rotary drive component 223 and the connecting rod are connected by a non-movable rigid connection, which can be achieved by bolt fastening or welding, to ensure the stability of power transmission during the driving process.

[0049] Specifically, the rotary drive component 223 is fixedly mounted on the connecting rod and moves up and down synchronously with it. When the lifting unit 210 drives the connecting rod to descend, the rotary drive component 223 drives the transmission shaft 222 to rotate, and the stirring paddle 221 at the end of the transmission shaft 222 generates eddies in the pure water. During the stirring process, the torque output by the rotary drive component 223 acts directly on the stirring paddle 221 through the rigidly connected transmission shaft 222, avoiding energy loss during power transmission. When the temperature of the pure water drops to the freezing point, the lifting unit 210 drives the connecting rod to rise, causing the stirring paddle 221 to leave the water surface, at which point the rotary drive component 223 stops operating synchronously.

[0050] To ensure that the stirring paddle 221 does not over-stir the pure water during rotation, thus preventing the intrusion of outside air, the rotation speed of the drive component 223 is controlled between 30 rpm and 60 rpm.

[0051] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3The lifting unit 210 includes a vertically arranged linear drive component 212, which is detachably connected to the side wall of the housing 110. The output end of the linear drive component 212 is fixedly connected to the connecting rod, and the linear drive component 212 can drive the connecting rod to move vertically.

[0052] The linear drive component 212 is a power device capable of outputting linear motion in a fixed direction. It can be implemented using an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder. Its function is to provide controllable and stable driving force for the lifting and lowering of the stirring paddle 221. The linear drive component 212 and the housing 110 can be connected by bolts, clips, or a slide rail structure, which facilitates the maintenance or replacement of the linear drive component 212.

[0053] Specifically, the linear drive 212 is vertically mounted on a detachable bracket on the side wall of the housing 110. When it is necessary to adjust the immersion depth of the stirring paddle 221, the linear drive 212 drives the connecting rod to move vertically through its output end. During this process, the lifting and lowering stroke of the connecting rod is determined by the stroke range of the linear drive 212, and its movement trajectory always remains linear, avoiding collision between the stirring paddle 221 and the inner wall of the housing 110 due to deviation.

[0054] It should be noted that you should refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The linear drive 212 has two extreme positions. Figure 1 At the lower limit position, the linear drive 212 is in the retracted state, the agitator 221 is just submerged in pure water 1cm-3cm, and the temperature sensor 232 is in contact with the water surface. Figure 2 At the upper limit position, the linear drive component 212 is in the extended state, and both the agitator 221 and the temperature sensor 232 are separated from the pure water, causing the pure water to solidify naturally.

[0055] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ice-making assembly 100 also includes a refrigeration unit 120, which is located at the bottom of the housing 110 and can cool pure water from the bottom of the housing 110.

[0056] The refrigeration unit 120 is a device used to lower the temperature of pure water. It can be implemented using a semiconductor cooling chip or a circulating cooling system. Its function is to directionally cool the pure water from the bottom of the housing 110, causing the pure water to gradually solidify from bottom to top. The bottom of the housing 110 refers to the area below the container holding the pure water. Heat conduction can be achieved through a metal heat-conducting plate or a contact refrigeration module, thus ensuring that the cooling process starts from the bottom of the container.

[0057] Specifically, the refrigeration unit 120 is installed on the outer bottom of the housing 110 or embedded in the bottom interlayer. When pure water is injected into the housing 110, the refrigeration unit 120 prioritizes cooling the bottom area. Since water has its maximum density at 4°C, bottom cooling promotes the sinking of low-temperature water, forming a stable temperature gradient. As the pure water at the bottom gradually reaches its freezing point, ice crystals grow upwards from the bottom. The gases dissolved in the water gradually move and accumulate relative to the surface of the pure water as the bottom temperature decreases, facilitating the discharge of gases by the stirring paddle 221.

[0058] Compared to existing technologies, current ice-making equipment typically uses top or side cooling, resulting in random freezing of the ice layer from the outside in or from top to bottom, which easily leads to the formation of air bubbles inside the ice. This solution, however, uses bottom-directed cooling, allowing the ice layer to grow uniformly from bottom to top. The release path of dissolved gases is not blocked by the ice layer, significantly reducing the amount of residual air bubbles.

[0059] Workflow: First, the linear drive 212 is positioned at its upper limit, and water is injected into the tank 110 through the pipe to the set level. Then, the linear drive 212 is lowered to its lower limit, immersing the agitator 221 in the water, with the temperature sensor 232 in contact with the water surface. Next, the cooling unit 120 is activated to cool the pure water. The agitator 221 rotates slowly under the action of the rotation drive 223, expelling air accumulated on the water surface. Finally, until the pure water in the tank 110 reaches zero degrees Celsius and ice crystals begin to form, the controller is triggered by the temperature sensor 232. The agitator 221 stops rotating, and the linear drive 212 is driven to its upper limit, detaching from the pure water.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model should be included within the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing, characterized in that, include: An ice-making assembly, the ice-making assembly including a tank for holding pure water to be frozen; A stirring assembly, comprising a lifting unit, a stirring unit, and a control unit; the lifting unit includes a lifting rod that can be raised and lowered relative to the housing, the stirring unit includes a stirring paddle and a rotatable drive shaft, one end of the drive shaft being rotatably connected to the lifting rod and axially locked, and the other end of the drive shaft being detachably connected to the stirring paddle; The lifting rod can drive the stirring paddle to be submerged in pure water. The control unit is electrically connected to the lifting unit so that when the temperature of the pure water drops to zero degrees, the lifting rod can be controlled to drive the stirring paddle to stop rotating and detach from the pure water.

2. The ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring paddle includes multiple blades, and the blades have an inclination angle of 15°-30°.

3. An ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The blade is a mesh blade.

4. An ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the stirring paddle submerged in pure water and the surface of the pure water is 1cm-3cm.

5. An ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit includes an extension rod, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The two ends of the extension rod are connected to the lifting rod and the temperature sensor, respectively. The temperature sensor is able to contact the surface of the pure water when the stirring paddle is immersed in pure water. The controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the stirring unit, and the lifting unit, respectively.

6. An ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring unit also includes a rotation drive component, which is fixedly connected to the lifting rod, and the output end of the rotation drive component is connected to the transmission shaft.

7. An ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting unit also includes a vertically arranged linear drive component, which is detachably connected to the side wall of the housing; the output end of the linear drive component is fixedly connected to the lifting rod to drive the lifting rod to move vertically.

8. An ice-making apparatus for ice impact testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making assembly also includes a refrigeration unit, which is located at the bottom of the housing and is capable of cooling pure water from the bottom of the housing.

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