Adjustable Ice Crusher Blade Spacing to Reduce Motor Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice crushers in refrigerators have a fixed spacing between rotating and fixed blades, resulting in a constant size of crushed ice and require high torque motors, increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable ice crusher design featuring a first and second plate with angled crushing surfaces, where the second plate is rotatable and the first plate is adjustable in angle or position relative to the second plate, allowing for variable ice chip sizes by altering the crushing zone's geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotating blades and multiple fixed blades are used with fixed spacing, then ice crushing function is achieved, but the size of crushed ice is constant and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spacing between rotating and fixed blades adjustable rather than fixed. The blade assembly can be moved between different positions to change the gap width, allowing the same mechanism to produce varying ice chip sizes. This transforms a static crushing system into a dynamic one that adapts to different size requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the critical parameter of blade spacing to control ice chip size. By adjusting the distance between rotating and fixed blades, the system can produce different sizes of crushed ice without changing the fundamental crushing mechanism. This parameter adjustment provides versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spacing between rotating and fixed blades is used, then device structure is simple, but the size of crushed ice cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is designed with adjustable positioning capability, allowing it to be moved between different spacing positions. This dynamic adjustment feature enables size variability while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure that can be manufactured using conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable blade spacing mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls ice chip size, maintains structural integrity, and can be integrated into existing ice crusher designs. This multi-functionality approach allows size variability without requiring completely separate mechanisms for each size setting.
3Power
If high torque motor is used to crush ice between rotating and fixed blades, then crushing function is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By adjusting the blade spacing parameter, the system can optimize crushing efficiency. Proper spacing allows ice cubes to be gradually crushed through multiple passes rather than requiring excessive force in a single pass, reducing the torque requirements of the motor and lowering production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable spacing allows the crushing process to occur in progressive stages rather than attempting to crush all ice to the desired size in one action. This partial action approach reduces the peak torque requirements, enabling the use of less powerful and more cost-effective motors.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable ice crusher includes a first plate having a crushing surface and a second plate having a crushing surface. The crushing surface of the second plate is angled relative to the crushing surface of the first plate such that a crushing zone is defined between the crushing surfaces of the first and second plates. A motor is coupled to the second plate such that the second plate is rotatable with the motor. The first and second plates are configured to crush ice in the crushing zone during operation of the motor. The first plate is rotatable relative to the second plate such that an angle defined between the crushing surface of the first plate and the crushing surface of the second plate is adjustable in order to vary a size of crushed ice chips from the crushing zone.