Ice Bagging Mechanism for Condensate-Free Cube Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice bagging apparatuses suffer from the issue of ice cubes freezing together into larger blocks due to condensate during the defrost cycle of ice makers, resulting in undesirable ice formation for customers.
Innovation Solution
An ice bagging apparatus featuring a frame with a first and second ice collecting zone, a film feeding mechanism for forming heat-sealable plastic bags, and a directional ice transport system that crushes and separates ice blocks into smaller pieces using a helical drive spring and chute, minimizing water introduction and ensuring accurate ice measurement and bag sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ice is collected directly from the ice maker during defrost cycle, then ice production is continuous, but condensate causes ice cubes to freeze together into larger blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The ice transport system segments the ice stream by using a rotating auger with flights that create discrete portions of ice, preventing condensate from freezing cubes together. The auger divides the continuous ice flow into separate batches that are individually conveyed to bags.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary ice collecting zone is introduced between the ice maker and the bagging zone. This intermediate zone allows ice to be collected during defrost cycles without directly contacting the bagging mechanism, and includes heating elements to melt condensate and prevent ice block formation before ice is conveyed to bags.
2Ease of operation
If upwardly directional auger is used to convey ice, then ice can be transported from collecting zone to bagging zone, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ice collecting zone is positioned at the same elevation as the bagging zone, eliminating the need for upwardly directional augers. Ice is conveyed horizontally between zones using a simpler auger mechanism, reducing system complexity while maintaining transport capability.
3Device complexity
If ice maker dispenses ice directly into bag, then bagging process is simple, but condensate enters the bag during filling
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful condensate is extracted and removed from the ice stream in the intermediate collecting zone using heating elements that melt condensate away from the ice cubes before they are conveyed to the bagging zone. This prevents condensate from entering the bags during filling.
4Productivity
If multiple ice collecting zones are used, then ice supply capacity is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ice collecting zones are merged into a single integrated system where ice from different sources (including defrost cycles) is collected in one zone and conveyed through a single auger to the bagging zone. This maintains increased ice supply capacity while reducing structural complexity compared to separate independent systems.
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 apparatus effectively prevents ice blocks from forming, ensures efficient ice transport and separation, and maintains the quality of ice by minimizing water introduction, resulting in smaller, usable ice pieces and improved customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a helical drive spring and chute, minimizing water introduction and ensuring accurate ice measurement and bag sealing
Implementation Method 2
a film feeding mechanism for conveying two superposed heat-sealable elongated film webs of plastic from a film web stock
Data Source
AI summary
An ice bagging apparatus which has a frame defining a first ice collecting zone with a collecting bin and an ice bagging zone, wherein the ice bagging zone has a film feeding mechanism that conveys two heat-sealable elongated plastic film webs and a welding apparatus to form a bag from the webs. The film feeding mechanism has rollers between which film webs are passed and pressed against each other. A measuring arrangement measures ice dispensed into the bag by a first ice transport system positioned between the two film webs that form the bag.