Block Ice Shaver Blade Assembly for Consistent Fluffy Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice shaving machines face issues with cumbersome ice block change procedures, frozen and impacted blades, inconsistent shaved ice textures due to changing ice consistency, and are incompatible with both home and large volume use, leading to decreased quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An ice shaving machine with a flexible blade design, automatic ice block feeder, and integrated flavor dispenser that accommodates block ice, allowing for consistent production of light, fluffy, finely textured shaved ice, even as the ice warms, and includes features like a tensioned blade assembly and adjustable drive shaft for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large block of ice is used in existing ice shaving machines, then the machine can produce shaved ice, but the ice block change procedure becomes cumbersome and the operation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ice block is divided into multiple smaller segments that can be individually loaded and replaced. The feeder mechanism is designed to accommodate sequential loading of ice segments, allowing quick changes without handling large cumbersome blocks. This dynamic segmentation enables efficient ice block replacement while maintaining continuous production capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the blade is designed for consistent shaving, then light fluffy shaved ice can be produced, but the blade becomes frozen and impacted as ice consistency changes during warming
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the blade to be repositioned relative to the ice block as the ice warms and changes consistency. The feeder mechanism adjusts feeding pressure and rate dynamically, preventing ice buildup on the blade while maintaining consistent shaving quality throughout the ice block's warming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts operational parameters including blade speed, feeding rate, and positioning based on ice block temperature and consistency changes. These parameter modifications prevent blade freezing and impacting while maintaining shaved ice quality, allowing the blade to adapt to varying ice conditions without performance degradation.
3Productivity
If the machine is designed for large block ice processing, then high volume production is possible, but the machine becomes incompatible with home use due to size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The ice block processing system is segmented into modular components including separate feeding, shaving, and collection sections. Each module is compact and can be independently adjusted, allowing the machine to handle various ice block sizes from small home-use blocks to larger commercial blocks. This modular segmentation reduces overall machine footprint while maintaining high-volume production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with universal features that accommodate both home and commercial use scenarios. The adjustable blade assembly, variable speed motor, and scalable ice block capacity allow the same device to efficiently produce shaved ice for small home gatherings or large commercial events, eliminating the need for separate machines for different usage volumes.
4Productivity
If the blade operates at high speed for efficiency, then productivity increases, but the blade cannot adapt to changing ice consistency as the block warms
Solution Approach 1:
The blade speed is controlled by a variable speed motor that can dynamically adjust rotational velocity based on ice block temperature and consistency. The feeder mechanism simultaneously adjusts feeding pressure and rate, creating a coordinated adaptive system that maintains optimal shaving conditions across the full range of ice conditions from freshly frozen to partially warmed blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure pertains generally to shave ice confection machines and processes, and more particularly to a block ice shaving apparatus, system and method whereby an improved blade and blade assembly produce more consistent output with increase machine life.