Automatic Spherical Ice Maker with Rotatable Mold and Heating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerator appliances lack an automatic system for producing clear spherical ice, which is desirable for its slow melting rate and aesthetic appeal, as existing methods are manual, time-consuming, and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An automatic spherical ice maker is integrated into the refrigerator, comprising an upper stationary ice mold and a lower rotatable ice mold with hemispherical cavities, equipped with heating elements and a drive motor, allowing for the production of clear, substantially spherical ice balls without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual insulated mold is used to produce spherical ice, then clear spherical ice pieces can be produced, but the freezing time is extremely long and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of filling, freezing, and harvesting ice with an automated system. The spherical mold is automatically filled with water by a pump, the freezing process is monitored by sensors, and the harvested ice is automatically removed by a robotic mechanism, eliminating manual intervention entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the spherical mold in the optimal location within the freezer compartment before the freezing cycle begins. The water is pre-cooled and deaerated before being introduced to the mold, and the harvesting mechanism is pre-configured to automatically remove ice as soon as freezing is complete, thereby minimizing total processing time
2Shape
If manual ice-ball press is used, then spherical ice can be formed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pressing action with an automated robotic system. A robotic arm equipped with a spherical mold automatically positions the mold, fills it with water, monitors the freezing process, and harvests the ice balls, completely eliminating manual operation and dramatically increasing production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productive action by operating multiple spherical molds in parallel and using a robotic system that can continuously fill, freeze, and harvest ice balls without interruption. The automated nature of the system allows for uninterrupted operation, maximizing productivity
3Extent of automation
If automatic ice maker is installed in refrigerator, then manual intervention is eliminated, but clear spherical ice production capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional automatic ice maker mechanisms with a robotic system that uses spherical molds instead of traditional cube molds. The robotic arm precisely controls the positioning and operation of multiple spherical molds, enabling automated production of clear spherical ice balls rather than conventional ice cubes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of mold geometry from conventional cubic shapes to spherical shapes. This parameter change, combined with automated water filling and freezing control, enables the production of clear spherical ice balls while maintaining full automation. The spherical geometry allows for better heat distribution during freezing, producing clearer ice
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The automatic system efficiently produces multiple clear, spherical ice balls, eliminating the need for manual processes and providing a consistent supply of ice without lengthy freezing times, enhancing user convenience and beverage chilling.
Implementation Method 1
the upper stationary ice mold has a first heating element and the lower rotatable ice mold has a second heating element, thereby to facilitate release of the at least one spherical ice ball from the at least one spherical mold
Implementation Method 2
placed in the freezer compartment by the user/consumer, and then when the water is frozen
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic spherical ice maker includes an upper stationary ice mold having at least one ice cavity with a hemispherical shape, and a lower rotatable ice mold having at least one ice cavity with a hemispherical shape and corresponding to the ice cavity of the upper stationary ice mold, so that together the at least one ice cavity of the upper stationary ice mold and the at least one cavity of the lower rotatable ice mold form at least one spherical mold which is configured to produce at least one substantially spherical ice ball at a time. The upper stationary ice mold has a first heating element and the lower rotatable ice mold has a second heating element, thereby to facilitate release of the at least one spherical ice ball from the at least one spherical mold.