Ice Machine Sliding Device for Automatic Counter Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice-making machines for counters are inefficient in distributing ice over a large surface area, leading to manual intervention risks, contamination, and machine blockages, especially when used on counters with substantial height development.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a sliding device that propels ice cylinders using a combination of gravity and propulsion force, equipped with proximity and safety sensors to distribute ice evenly and automatically, along with secondary dispensing means for operator flexibility and reduced contamination risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ice is dispensed vertically into a container under gravity alone, then the machine structure is simple, but the ice distribution area is limited and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the ice dispensing from a vertical one-dimensional path into a two-dimensional distributed pattern by introducing a sliding device with inclined planes. Ice cylinders are propelled horizontally across the counter surface rather than falling vertically into a container, thereby expanding the distribution area while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of passive gravitational force combined with mechanical sliding surfaces.
2Reliability
If ice accumulates in small areas of the counter, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but blockages occur at the dispensing nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ice from the direct vertical drop path and redirects it through a sliding device that distributes ice across a wider counter area. This separation of the dispensing nozzle from the accumulation zone prevents blockages by ensuring ice does not concentrate at the dispensing point, thereby maintaining reliable operation while accommodating high productivity requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual intervention is used to distribute ice uniformly, then the machine structure is simple, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service distribution system where the sliding device automatically propels ice cylinders across the counter using gravitational force and inclined plane geometry. This eliminates the need for manual ice distribution, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational simplicity through passive mechanical design that requires no additional power sources or complex control systems.
4Area of stationary object
If the machine is positioned to cover large counter areas, then ice distribution is improved, but passage for personnel is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved inclined planes and arched sliding surfaces within the sliding device to propel ice cylinders in multiple directions across the counter. This curved geometry allows the machine to maintain a compact footprint while achieving wide ice distribution, as the curved paths redirect ice laterally without requiring the machine itself to span large physical distances, thereby preserving personnel passageways.
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
Enables automatic and even distribution of ice over a larger surface area, reducing manual intervention and contamination risks, while allowing flexible ice collection and minimizing machine obstruction, thus enhancing operational safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding device of the cylinders of ice apt to subject the cylinders of ice to a propulsion force acting in combination with the force of gravity so as to distribute the cylinders of ice over a larger surface area of the counter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The machine for making ice (1) particularly for a counter (120) for displaying goods having a vertical expansion apt to promote the dispensing of the ice (121) directly on said counter (120), comprises first dispensing means (16) of said ice (121) to which at least one proximity sensor (15) is associated, adapted to detect the quantity of ice (121) accumulated on said counter (120).