Flake Ice Trough Assembly for Removable Cleaning and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flake ice production devices face challenges in thoroughly cleaning the tub and evaporator components due to limited access and leakage issues, particularly with limescale deposits and contamination, which compromises hygiene and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The device features two side parts with a continuous slot allowing the tub part to be easily inserted and removed, forming a liquid-tight trough that surrounds the evaporator roller, enabling thorough cleaning and reliable sealing to prevent liquid escape, with additional features like seals, fastening devices, and a scraper arrangement for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tub part is firmly connected to the side parts using a clamping device, then the seal between the tub part and side parts is improved, but the ease of detaching the tub part deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tub is divided into a tub part and side parts that can be separately assembled and disassembled. The tub part can be detached from the side parts for cleaning, while maintaining a reliable seal when assembled. This segmentation allows the tub part to be removed through the continuous slot without requiring complex clamping devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The tub part is extracted as a separate removable component from the side parts. It can be completely removed through the continuous slot for thorough cleaning, and then reinserted to form a sealed trough. This extraction eliminates the need for complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the tub part is made removable for thorough cleaning, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the risk of liquid leakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tub is segmented into a removable tub part and stationary side parts. The tub part can be completely removed through the continuous slot for thorough cleaning, and when reassembled, forms a liquid-tight seal with the side parts, preventing leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element acts as an intermediary between the tub part and side parts. This sealing element ensures a liquid-tight connection when the tub part is assembled with the side parts, while still allowing the tub part to be removed for cleaning purposes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tub part rests on the end faces of the side parts with clamping, then the structural stability is improved, but the complexity of assembly and tensioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tub structure is segmented into a tub part and side parts that can be independently positioned. The tub part is inserted through the continuous slot and rests on the end faces of the side parts, providing structural stability without requiring complex clamping or tensioning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex clamping and tensioning devices are extracted from the design. Instead, the tub part is simply inserted through the continuous slot and rests on the end faces of the side parts, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural stability.
4Ease of operation
If the outlet for liquid is not at the lowest point of the tub, then the tub can be detached, but the completeness of emptying the tub before removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tub is segmented into a removable tub part and stationary side parts. The tub part can be completely removed through the continuous slot, allowing for complete emptying and thorough cleaning, eliminating liquid residue that would remain if the outlet were not at the lowest point.
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
Facilitates quick and effective cleaning of the tub and evaporator components, ensuring high hygiene standards and preventing liquid leakage, while allowing for easy installation and removal of the tub part without disrupting the scraper or evaporator roller operation.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator roller (1) arranged rotatably opposite the trough and a scraper (7) for removing ice formed on the surface of the evaporator roller (1) from the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for producing flake ice, comprising a cylindrical evaporator roller (1, 21), a shaft (2) on the evaporator roller (1, 21) that transmits a torque of a drive (3, 23) to the evaporator roller (2, 21), two side parts (4, 5, 24, 25), between which the evaporator roller (1, 21) is rotatably arranged, at least one bearing bushing (8) on at least one side part (4, 5, 24, 25), wherein the shaft (2) is rotatably accommodated and mounted in the bearing bushing (8), a scraper (7, 27) for removing ice formed on the surface of the evaporator roller (1, 21) from the liquid, a pan part (6, 26) that can be connected to the two side parts (4, 5, 24, 25) in a detachable and liquid-tight manner, and a slit (9, 29) in at least one of the two side parts (4, 24), through which the pan part (6, 26) can be passed in the axial direction and inserted into the intermediate space between the two side parts (4, 5, 24, 25) starting from the side of the side part (4, 24) facing away from the evaporator roller (1, 21) during a transition from a pan part cleaning position to an operating position.