Circular blade and device for cutting ice tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice-cutting systems face issues such as thick cuts leading to ice loss, ice adhesion to cutting elements causing build-up, frost jamming, increased energy and water consumption, and inefficient recycling of ice wastage.

Innovation Solution

A circular blade with angled protrusions and notches, along with a device comprising a support element, cutting indicator platform, and transmission system, which prevents frost accumulation and ensures efficient cutting and recycling of ice tubes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional circular blades with toothed patterns are used for cutting ice tubes, then the cutting function is provided, but thick cuts occur leading to ice loss and the teeth become clogged with frost and ice pieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidice loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting blade is segmented into multiple protrusions distributed around its circumference, each protrusion having multiple teeth. This segmentation allows for finer cutting increments and prevents clogging by distributing the cutting load across multiple elements rather than a continuous toothed pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each protrusion on the blade has a specific geometry with teeth angled between 0-90 degrees relative to the blade's rotation direction. This local quality optimization ensures that each cutting point engages the ice optimally, achieving precise cuts while preventing frost accumulation through the specific angle configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If conventional circular blades are used, then cutting is performed, but frost accumulates on the teeth causing jamming and requiring additional energy and water for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to prevent frost formation through heating or water application, the blade design inverts the approach by using protrusions with specific angular configurations that actively shed frost and ice accumulation. The teeth are arranged to minimize surface area where frost can adhere, and the cutting action itself prevents buildup by continuously clearing the cutting edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potentially harmful effect of cold temperatures causing frost jamming into a beneficial self-cleaning mechanism. The specific protrusion geometry and tooth angles cause frost to accumulate in a controlled manner that actually aids in clearing the blade surface, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming defrosting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional circular blades are used, then ice tubes are cut, but ice pieces adhere to the cutting elements causing build-up and requiring water to melt the ice

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecut qualityVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The blade design incorporates dynamic elements where the protrusions and teeth are configured to create varying cutting pressures and angles during rotation. This dynamic cutting action prevents ice pieces from adhering to the blade surface by continuously changing the contact conditions, eliminating the need for water application to prevent buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If conventional ice-cutting systems are used, then ice bars are produced, but ice wastage is generated that is not efficiently recycled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice productionVSAvoidice wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a recycling mechanism that captures ice wastage and frost accumulation during the cutting process. The centrifugal force generated by the rotating blade and support assembly throws ice pieces and frost toward collection areas where they are recovered and returned to the water supply for re-freezing, converting waste into reusable material and improving overall ice production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 achieves finer cuts with reduced ice loss, minimizes frost build-up, and enhances energy efficiency by recycling ice wastage, maintaining the quality and volume of ice bars.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

a device for cutting ice tubes, which comprises: at least, one circular blade (A); a support element firmly attached to the circular blade (A)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS12551956B2Circular blade and device for cutting ice tubes

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 GOMEZ FREGOSO ALEJANDRO

AI summary

Disclosed is a circular toothed blade, formed by a disc (1) having a central hole (2), wherein the blade comprises: a series of protrusions (5) separated by cut-outs (3) and projecting at an angle of 0-90° on the perimeter edge of the disc (1), wherein the protrusion (5) comprises a series of teeth projecting at an angle of 0-90°. Also disclosed is a device for cutting ice tubes, which comprises at least one circular blade (A) according to the present invention.