Ice Cube Mould with Movable Halves for High-Capacity Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice cube production devices have limited capacity and efficiency, as they can only produce a single layer of ice cubes at a time due to slow growth and are not suitable for large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
The device features movable mould halves and heating means to quickly detach and separate ice columns, along with agitation and pre-refrigeration to enhance freezing speed, allowing for interconnected ice cubes to be formed and efficiently packaged in a compact, high-capacity setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is sprayed against the bottom side of the mould to form ice cubes, then ice cubes can be produced, but the production capacity is limited because only one layer of ice cubes can be made with each batch
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from producing ice cubes in a single layer (two-dimensional arrangement) to producing multiple stacked layers (three-dimensional arrangement) by providing a mould with multiple水平 spaces arranged vertically. This dimensional change allows simultaneous production of multiple ice cube layers in one batch, directly increasing production capacity without sacrificing individual cube quality
2Manufacturing precision
If the mould is closed during freezing, then clear ice cubes are formed, but the ice cubes are difficult to remove from the mould
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamic vibration to the mould during the freezing process. This vibration serves dual purposes: it prevents air pockets from forming (ensuring clear ice) and simultaneously loosens the ice cubes from the mould walls, making removal easy. The dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the mould system responsive rather than static throughout the freezing cycle
3Productivity
If the mould remains stationary during freezing, then the structure is simple, but the ice cubes take too long to form and production is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces vibration capability to the mould system, transforming it from a static to a dynamic structure. This dynamic vibration accelerates heat transfer during freezing, significantly reducing formation time. While this adds some complexity to the mould system, the benefit of faster production cycles results in net productivity improvement
4Productivity
If heating means are used to detach the ice column from the mould halves, then ice can be removed very quickly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies vibration during the freezing process itself, which serves as a preliminary action to prevent ice adhesion to the mould walls. This preliminary anti-adhesion measure eliminates or reduces the need for subsequent heating operations to detach the ice, thereby achieving fast removal speed without adding the complexity of heating means
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
This solution enables rapid production of multiple ice cubes by facilitating quick detachment and efficient packaging, increasing output and capacity while ensuring clear ice formation and easy separation.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerating device for freezing said liquid substance
Implementation Method 2
the mould comprises heating means for detaching the ice column from the mould halves by melting
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for making ice cubes, comprising a supplying device for supplying a liquid substance to at least one elongated mould and a refrigerating device for freezing said liquid substance, which at least one mould defines a space for an ice column which is at least substantially closed at least while said liquid substance is being refrigerated. The at least one mould comprises two mould halves which are movable relative to each other, so that the mould halves can be moved apart once the ice column has been formed. The invention further relates to a method for making ice cubes, comprising the steps of a) supplying a liquid substance to a mould, b) freezing the liquid substance in the mould, and c) removing the ice cubes thus formed from the mould, wherein the liquid substance is supplied in step a) to a mould comprising an at least substantially closed space. The invention further relates to a metering device for ice cubes.