Hail Stone Molding From Ice Rods for Uniform Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing artificial hail stones result in non-uniform density due to CO2 migration, and existing processes are inefficient for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A machine and method involving the mixing of water and CO2 in diffusers, followed by freezing in a heat exchanger to form ice rods, which are then incrementally shaped into hail stones using a mold and gravity track system, ensuring uniform density and efficient mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If CO2 is added to water and poured into molds to form hail stones, then hail stones can be produced, but the CO2 migrates to the outer surface making the density non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-freezing water into ice rods before introducing CO2. The ice rods are formed in a controlled manner and then CO2 is introduced into the ice structure, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the hail stone rather than allowing migration to the surface during formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters by freezing water into ice rods at controlled temperatures, then introducing CO2 under specific pressure conditions. This parameter control ensures uniform CO2 distribution within the ice matrix, creating consistent density throughout the hail stone.
2Productivity
If conventional molding methods are used to produce hail stones, then production can be performed, but the process is inefficient for mass production and takes excessive time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hail stone production process into distinct stages: ice rod formation, CO2 introduction, and hail stone completion. This segmentation allows for continuous production where multiple ice rods can be processed simultaneously or in rapid succession, dramatically increasing production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity by maintaining a steady supply of ice rods and continuously introducing CO2 to form hail stones. The process eliminates idle time between production cycles, allowing for efficient mass production with minimal interruption.
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 hail stones with uniform density and enables efficient production of large quantities, doubling the output compared to previous methods by allowing continuous formation and freezing processes.
Implementation Method 1
water and CO2 are mixed in at least one diffuser
Implementation Method 2
The mixture is then supplied to a heat exchanger where the mixture is frozen into an ice rod
Implementation Method 3
the formed hail stones exit from the mold on a novel gravity track into a compartmentalized freezer
Data Source
AI summary
A hail producing machine includes at least one diffuser for mixing water and carbon dioxide. At least one heat exchanger is in flow communication with the diffuser for receiving the mixture. A refrigeration unit freezes the mixture to form an ice rod in the heat exchanger. The ice rod is ejected from the heat exchanger and is converted into hail stones by a molding station downstream from the heat exchanger.