Block Ice Shaver Blade Assembly with Rotation for Consistent Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice shaving machines face limitations such as cumbersome ice block change procedures, frozen and impacted blades, inconsistent shaved ice textures, and inability to adapt to changing ice consistency as the block warms, leading to decreased quality and efficiency in producing light, fluffy shaved ice.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ice shaving machine with a flexible blade assembly, a blade holder that allows blade rotation, and an ice block feeder with a drive shaft to maintain consistent pressure and adapt to changing ice consistency, along with a flavor dispensing system for efficient production of powdery snow-like textured shaved ice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a block of ice is used to produce shaved ice, then the texture consistency and quality of shaved ice are improved, but the machine operation becomes cumbersome and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed to rotate on its axis during operation, transforming from a static cutting element to a dynamic one. This rotation allows the blade to continuously engage different portions of the ice block surface, maintaining consistent shaving performance throughout the ice block's usage cycle and reducing the frequency of blade changes or ice block replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice block is pre-positioned and secured in the holder before the shaving process begins. The blade rotation mechanism is pre-configured to engage the ice block at the optimal position, ensuring consistent texture from the start of operation without requiring adjustments during use.
2Manufacturing precision
If the blade rotates on its axis, then the shaved ice texture consistency is improved throughout the ice block usage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade rotation function is merged with the existing blade holder structure. The blade is mounted on a rotation mechanism that is integrated into the holder, allowing the blade to perform both cutting and rotational movements through a unified assembly rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: cutting the ice, rotating on its axis to engage different ice surfaces, and maintaining consistent shaving pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components that would otherwise be required to achieve the same results.
3Manufacturing precision
If the blade is tensioned to prevent flapping, then the shaved ice quality is improved, but the blade assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed with inherent flexibility, allowing it to bend and conform to the ice block surface while maintaining cutting effectiveness. This flexibility eliminates the need for complex tensioning mechanisms, as the blade's natural properties prevent flapping and ensure consistent contact with the ice throughout the rotation cycle.
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.