Ice Machine Safety Device with Blockage Detection and Auto-Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice machines often experience blockages in the ice evacuation area, leading to potential breakdowns due to pressure buildup, which can damage machine components and require costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a hinged, spherical cap body and elastic closure that houses electronic means to detect blockages, sending stop signals to the machine and external warnings, automatically halting operation and allowing for quick unblocking, and resetting the machine once the issue is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic means are installed to detect blockages, then machine reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spherical cap body acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates blockage conditions into detectable positional changes. This mediator simplifies the detection system by providing a clear binary state (blocked/not blocked) rather than requiring complex sensing of pressure or flow conditions directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure-sensing systems with a simpler positional detection system. The spherical cap body's movement is detected electronically, substituting direct mechanical pressure measurement with a more reliable and simpler positional state detection.
2Strength
If the machine is stopped automatically upon blockage detection, then component damage is prevented, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and stops the machine before actual damage can occur to expensive components. By detecting the blockage condition early through the spherical cap body's positional change, preventive action is taken before the blockage can cause mechanical failure or damage to the extruder and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic means provide continuous feedback on the spherical cap body's position, creating a closed-loop system that monitors blockage conditions and automatically responds by stopping the machine when necessary, balancing component protection with operational continuity.
3Reliability
If a hinged spherical cap body with elastic closure is used, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the hinged spherical cap body for mechanical response, the elastic closure for resetting capability, and the electronic means for detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while keeping the overall system manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical cap body transitions from a static protective cover to a dynamic detection element that moves in response to blockage conditions. This dynamic behavior provides reliable detection signals while the elastic closure enables automatic resetting, maintaining simplicity despite the added functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device for an ice machine comprising a cover-type body (1), with a spherical cap shape, which is articulated on one of the ends (1a) thereof, while on the other end (1b) thereof it has a floating character and incorporates protuberances (1c) that make up the arrangement of an elastic closure (2) responsible for fastening said body to the ice machine (10); and wherein electronic means (3) are located adjacently to the body (1) in the placement area of an end of the elastic closure (2), which are responsible for detecting the change in position or opening of said body (1) and sending machine stop and breakdown warnings.