Batch-Freezer Shelf Locking Mechanism for Ice Cream Pans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal-axis batch-freezer machines for producing artisan ice cream face challenges in securely holding ice-cream display pans of varying sizes and dimensions, requiring frequent adjustments of locking templates, which complicates operations and makes cleaning difficult.
Innovation Solution
A batch-freezer machine with a shelf featuring a raised side shoulder and a manually-operated locking device that automatically adapts to different pan sizes by using a cam mechanism to push and hold the pan against a concave seat, allowing for secure immobilization without the need for template adjustments, and facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking template is used to secure ice-cream pans on the shelf, then the pans are held securely, but the template must be frequently adjusted to match different pan sizes and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with a universal locking surface that can accommodate multiple pan sizes and shapes through a single mechanism. The cam mechanism with adjustable locking surface allows one device to perform the function of multiple templates, eliminating the need for frequent template changes while maintaining secure pan holding.
2Reliability
If a locking template is used to prevent horizontal movement of pans, then pans are immobilized, but cleaning becomes difficult due to the template's structure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from a complex template structure and concentrated into a simple cam mechanism with a locking surface. This simplified structure can be easily removed and cleaned, or integrated into the shelf in a way that allows straightforward cleaning access, eliminating the cleaning difficulties associated with complex templates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking templates are provided for different pan sizes, then all pan sizes can be accommodated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates a dynamic cam mechanism with an adjustable locking surface that can be positioned at different locations and angles. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single device to adapt to various pan sizes and shapes, replacing the need for multiple static templates and reducing overall device complexity.
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 solution simplifies the operation of extracting ice cream by securely holding pans of various sizes without manual template adjustments, improving workflow efficiency and allowing for quick cleaning of the locking system.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism to push and hold the pan against a concave seat
Data Source
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AI summary
A batch-freezer machine (1) for producing ice cream and similar comprising: an outer casing (2) with a rigid and self-supporting structure; a working chamber that extends inside the outer casing (2), starting from the front wall (2a) of the casing; a removable door (5) that is selectively adapted to close, substantially in a fluid tight manner, the mouth of the working chamber; and a protruding shelf (13) that juts out cantilevered from the front wall (2a) of the outer casing (2) vertically spaced beneath the mouth of the working chamber, and is superiorly provided with a substantially horizontal supporting surface (15) on which a display ice-cream pan (100) is adapted to rest, with a raised side shoulder (16) that stands up/raises above the supporting surface (15), on a side of the supporting surface (15), and with a manually-operated locking device (17) which is placed above the supporting surface (15) on a side of the supporting surface (15) opposite to that of the raised side shoulder (16), and is selectively adapted to push and lock the ice-cream pan (100) in abutment against said raised side shoulder (16) .