Ice cube tray assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for forming clear ice cubes that are free of impurities and air bubbles do not provide ease of use and consistent formation.
Innovation Solution
An ice cube tray assembly comprising an insulating box, a lower chamber, and an upper chamber, where the upper chamber has dividing ribs to create sub-chambers, allowing water to freeze from the top downward, pushing impurities into the lower chamber, and the design facilitates easy assembly, use, and separation of components for efficient ice cube formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water is frozen using conventional methods, then ice cubes are formed quickly, but the ice cubes contain impurities and air bubbles that reduce clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The freezing chamber is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a partition wall with openings. This segmentation allows water to freeze from the top downward while impurities are pushed down through the openings into the lower chamber, achieving both clarity and reasonable freezing time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the freezing process by creating a two-chamber system with upward and downward flow paths. Water freezes vertically from top to bottom, and impurities are directed downward through the partition wall openings, adding a dimensional aspect to the purification process
2Manufacturing precision
If directional freezing is used to push impurities out of water, then clearer ice is formed, but the process becomes complex and difficult to use consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The upper chamber and lower chamber are merged into a single integrated assembly that fits within one ice cube tray. The partition wall with openings is integrated into the assembly, combining the freezing and purification functions into a unified structure that is simple to use
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically directs impurities downward through the partition wall openings as water freezes from the top. The design self-regulates the purification process without requiring user intervention, making it easy to operate consistently
3Manufacturing precision
If a multi-chamber design is used for directional freezing, then impurity removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall serves multiple functions: it separates the upper and lower chambers, allows water flow from upper to lower chamber through its openings, and directs impurities downward. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device
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 assembly effectively produces clear, impurity-free ice cubes by directing water freezing from top to bottom, ensuring clear and bubble-free ice while allowing for easy handling and reuse of the tray.
Implementation Method 1
allowing water to freeze from the top downward, pushing impurities into the lower chamber
Implementation Method 2
pushing impurities into the lower chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An ice cube tray assembly having an insulating box, a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The insulating box having a base and an upstanding structure, with a cavity. A top surface has an inner and outer perimeter, with the inner perimeter defining the opening of the cavity. The lower chamber includes an upper deck portion and container structure depending therefrom. The upper chamber includes a top wall and an inner container structure depending from the top wall. The upper and lower chambers are positioned in sealing engagement.