Ice Mold Sealing and Ejection for Faster Cube Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice making machines are inefficient, producing ice slowly, leading to low production rates, large machine sizes, and water waste, with slow deaeration and purification processes that result in contamination and remote ice storage complications.
Innovation Solution
An ice making and harvesting apparatus with a mold comprising cells, a bottom plate, and a top plate, where the bottom plate moves to seal with the mold, channels supply water, and pushing rods dislodge formed ice cubes, allowing for rapid freezing and efficient water management, reducing overall dimensions and freezing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ice making machines use slow layer-by-layer ice growth to produce clear crystalline ice, then ice purity is improved, but ice production cycle time increases to 10-15 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The ice making process is segmented into multiple stages with different cooling rates. The patent uses a multi-layer mold structure where water is frozen in successive layers, allowing each layer to form with sufficient purity while reducing total freezing time through parallel processing of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic cycling of the freezing process, alternating between rapid freezing phases and slower consolidation phases. This periodic action allows the system to achieve both speed and purity by optimizing different phases for different objectives.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional machines equip large hopper for ice storage to meet peak demand, then ice availability is improved, but machine complexity and overall dimension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic ice storage system where the hopper size and configuration can be adjusted based on demand patterns. The system includes movable partitions and adjustable storage compartments that can be reconfigured to optimize between storage capacity and machine footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the hopper within the overall machine structure using a nested arrangement where the storage compartment is positioned within or alongside other machine components. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall machine dimension while maintaining adequate storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional machines use remote hopper location for ice storage, then ice capacity is improved, but transportation complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ice storage hopper with the dispensing mechanism into an integrated unit. The hopper is positioned adjacent to or within the dispensing assembly, eliminating the need for separate transportation mechanisms and simplifying the overall operation while maintaining adequate storage capacity.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional machines store ice for significant period, then ice availability is improved, but ice contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an inert or controlled atmosphere within the hopper storage environment. By maintaining specific atmospheric conditions (such as reduced oxygen exposure or controlled humidity), the system prevents contamination and degradation of stored ice over extended periods while preserving ice quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors and adjusts storage parameters such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition to optimize ice preservation. By dynamically changing these parameters based on storage duration and conditions, the system prevents contamination while maintaining ice availability.
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 faster ice production with reduced water waste and a smaller machine footprint, facilitating 'ice-on-demand' capabilities and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling agent flowing through passageways of the mold removes heat from water in cells, thereby freezing the water to form ice on cell walls
Implementation Method 2
The cooling agent flowing through passageways of the mold removes heat from water in cells
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making and harvesting apparatus includes a mold, and bottom and top plates. The mold includes a plurality of cells. Each cell includes side walls and defines bottom and top openings. The bottom plate is configured to move relative to a bottom surface of the mold. An upper surface of the bottom plate includes a first sealing component. A bottom side of the mold includes a second sealing component. The second sealing component is configured to form a seal with the first sealing component of the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes an inlet and a plurality of channels. Each channel is configured to supply water from the bottom plate to a corresponding cell of the mold. The top plate includes a plurality of pushing rods, each rod configured to move relative to the top opening of a corresponding cell.