Ice Cube Mould with Rotating Element for Clear Ice Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice cube production methods often result in cloudy or contaminated ice due to trapped gases, which affect the clarity and quality of the ice cubes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring an elongated mould with a rotating element that creates centrifugal motion within the mould, forcing gases to escape and ensuring the liquid substance is clearer, combined with a refrigeration system and actuator for controlled rotation and efficient ice cube formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the liquid substance is frozen in a stationary mould without circulation, then the freezing process is simple and energy-efficient, but gases become trapped in the ice causing cloudiness and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a rotatable elongated element that rotates during the freezing process to create centrifugal motion. This dynamic element circulates the liquid substance within the mould, preventing gas entrapment and ensuring clear ice cubes without requiring a completely complex mould system. The rotation can be controlled to occur during specific phases of freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated rotating element serves as an intermediary component between the liquid substance and the mould walls. It mediates the circulation of liquid, creating centrifugal force that pushes liquid toward the walls while gases concentrate around the rotating element and escape through openings, thus improving ice clarity without direct modification of the entire mould structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the liquid substance is circulated during refrigeration, then gas contamination is reduced and ice clarity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by rotating the elongated element only during specific phases of the freezing process, rather than continuously. The rotation can be activated when liquid circulation is most beneficial for gas removal and deactivated when freezing is complete or when energy conservation is prioritized, thus balancing ice clarity with energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in the rotation speed and timing of the elongated element. By adjusting rotational speed and duration based on the freezing stage, the system optimizes gas removal efficiency while minimizing energy consumption. Faster rotation may be used initially for gas removal, then reduced or stopped as freezing progresses.
3Manufacturing precision
If the mould space is completely closed during refrigeration, then contamination is prevented, but gases cannot escape and ice clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by providing openings in the mould walls that allow gases to be extracted or removed from the closed mould space during freezing. The rotating elongated element concentrates gases around itself, and the openings enable these concentrated gases to escape, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining a closed system and allowing gas removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of gas entrapment into a beneficial process by using the rotation to concentrate gases in specific areas around the elongated element. This concentration makes gas removal more efficient through the openings, transforming the problem of gas distribution into a solution where gases are systematically gathered and expelled.
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 produces clear ice cubes by removing gases and enhancing the refrigeration process, allowing for continuous and efficient production of clear ice cubes with reduced contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerating device for freezing the liquid substance inside the at least one elongated mould
Implementation Method 2
the elongated element generates a centrifugal motion of the liquid substance. This centrifugal motion forces the liquid substance towards the walls of the mould
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for making ice cubes that comprises at least one elongated mould (102) that defines a space (117) for an ice column, which space (117) is at least substantially closed at least while a liquid substance is being refrigerated. A supplying device (118) is provided for supplying the liquid substance to the at least one elongated mould (102). A refrigerating device (111) is provided for freezing the liquid substance inside the at least one elongated mould (102) An elongated element (101) is configured to extend through said at least one mould (102) in a longitudinal direction of said at least one mould (102). The elongated element (101) is configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the elongated element (101).