Storage and distribution unit for compressed ice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice delivery systems face issues such as staleness, exposure to environmental elements, and reduced storage capacity due to the placement of icemakers above ice storage bins, which leads to inefficiencies and less storage space.
Innovation Solution
An on-demand ice delivery unit with an icemaker located below the storage bin, utilizing a closed loop system with insulated tubing for ice delivery, a compact design that includes an auger system for efficient ice distribution, and a thermal exchange system to enhance icemaker efficiency, while maintaining sanitation and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the icemaker is placed above the ice storage bin, then gravity can be utilized for ice collection, but the storage capacity is reduced and the unit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the ice storage bin above the icemaker instead of below it. This inversion allows the icemaker to feed ice into the bin through gravity-assisted flow while maximizing the storage bin's capacity and minimizing the overall unit footprint. The inverted configuration eliminates the need for large clearance spaces required in traditional designs.
2Productivity
If the icemaker is placed above the ice storage bin, then ice can be collected in the bin, but the overall unit size and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the arrangement to place the storage bin above the icemaker, the design achieves efficient ice delivery through gravity flow while significantly reducing the horizontal footprint and overall size of the unit compared to conventional configurations.
3Ease of operation
If pre-bagged ice is used, then ice is readily available, but the ice becomes stale and exposed to environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service ice production where the icemaker continuously produces fresh ice that is immediately stored in the insulated bin, eliminating the need for pre-bagged ice that must be transported and stored. This on-demand production ensures ice freshness while maintaining ready availability.
4Ease of operation
If pre-bagged ice is used, then ice delivery is convenient, but the ice cubes stick together requiring breaking up
Solution Approach 1:
The system produces ice in the desired form (nuggets or cubes) directly in the storage bin, eliminating the need for pre-bagged ice that requires breaking up. The continuous production and proper storage conditions maintain ice separation and prevent bridging, providing convenient ready-to-use 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 solution allows for increased storage capacity, reduced unit size, improved energy efficiency, and effective prevention of ice bridging, ensuring high-quality ice delivery with enhanced sanitation and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The tubing is insulated and configured to provide ice from the icemaker through a compression nozzle and harvesting auger to the ice storage bin
Implementation Method 2
the ice delivery unit comprises a thermal exchange system. In an aspect, the thermal exchange system is configured such that water from melted ice within the ice storage bin is used to initially cool new water to be used by the icemaker
Implementation Method 3
The auger operates such that ice is directed to the opening located at the center bottom of the ice storage bin. The unique design of the opening and auger system reduces the overall size of the ice delivery unit
Data Source
AI summary
An on-demand and efficient ice delivery unit is described. In an aspect, the unit is comprises a cabinet that further comprises an ice storage bin and an icemaker. The ice delivery unit provides a user with compressed chewable nuggets of ice. In an aspect, the unit comprises an icemaker that is ideally located below the ice storage bin. The location of the icemaker, which may also be remote, is designed to enable the ice storage bin to be of a larger capacity than ice delivery units currently known in the art. Additionally, the location of the icemaker reduces the overall size, particularly the height, of the unit in comparison to other ice distribution units known in the art.