Ice Cube Maker with Movable Mould Parts for Continuous Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice cube makers are inefficient in providing a continuous supply of ice cubes, often result in cubes sticking together, and require manual handling, which can be unhygienic and space-consuming, with existing solutions failing to address the issue of cube metering and jamming.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with movable mould parts and a controller to form and disperse ice columns around elongated elements, an ice remover to facilitate continuous ice supply, and an ice breaker to break off ice cubes, allowing for automatic distribution and compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ice cubes are stored in a large refrigerator with storage compartment, then ice cubes can be stored, but the device occupies large space in the establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The ice storage system is segmented into multiple small moulds arranged in a matrix, each producing individual ice columns. This segmentation allows the system to provide adequate ice storage capacity through continuous production from multiple small units rather than requiring a single large storage compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous ice production by having multiple moulds operating in sequence, with conveying means continuously transporting ice columns from moulds to a collection container. This continuous action eliminates the need for large batch storage while maintaining adequate supply.
2Ease of operation
If ice cubes are picked up using tongs from storage compartment, then ice cubes can be dispensed, but the ice cubes are continuously exposed to ambient air which may be unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an automatic dispensing mechanism where conveying means automatically transport ice columns from the moulds through a discharge opening into a container, eliminating the need for manual handling with tongs. This self-service approach keeps ice cubes enclosed throughout the process, preventing exposure to ambient air and maintaining hygiene.
3Quantity of substance
If ice cubes are stored in container, then ice cubes are available for use, but the ice cubes may stick to each other making it difficult to pick them up
Solution Approach 1:
The system produces ice in segmented form as individual columns from separate moulds, which are then individually conveyed and deposited into the container. This segmentation prevents the ice cubes from sticking together in mass, maintaining ease of handling while ensuring availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying means operates periodically to transport and deposit ice columns one at a time into the container. This periodic action ensures ice cubes are deposited separately rather than in continuous contact, preventing them from sticking together and maintaining ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If manual metering of ice cubes is used, then number of ice cubes can be controlled, but it is difficult to meter the number of ice cubes accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic metering through the conveying means that transports a predetermined number of ice columns from the moulds to the container. This self-service metering mechanism accurately controls the quantity of ice cubes without requiring manual counting or estimation, achieving both ease of operation and measurement precision.
5Productivity
If ice cubes are dispensed through discharge opening, then ice cubes can be delivered, but the ice cubes may get jammed in front of or in the discharge opening and block it
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is designed to handle ice in segmented form as individual columns conveyed one at a time through the discharge opening. This segmentation prevents multiple ice cubes from accumulating and jamming the opening, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying means operates periodically to transport ice columns through the discharge opening at controlled intervals. This periodic action prevents ice cubes from accumulating in front of the opening, eliminating jamming while maintaining efficient dispensing rates.
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 provides a continuous and efficient supply of ice cubes, reduces the risk of cubes sticking together, and allows for easy handling and distribution, improving hygiene and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerating device for freezing said liquid substance
Implementation Method 2
said at least one mould may comprise heating means for detaching the obtained ice column from the mould by melting
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
An apparatus for making ice cubes comprises a plurality of elongated elements (1, 2). A plurality of mould parts (3, 4, 5, 6) are movable with respect to the elongated elements (1, 2). The plurality of mould parts are movable to form a mould (7) around a first elongated element (1) of the elongated elements. A control unit is configured to control a movement of the plurality of mould parts with respect to the elongated elements to move the mould parts (3, 5) forming the mould (7) around the first elongated element (1) apart once a first ice column (201) has been formed in the mould (7), and form a mould (8) around a second elongated element (2) of the elongated elements. An ice remover (202) is configured to remove the first ice column (201).