Movable Ice Cube Mould Halves for High-Output Hygienic Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice cube production devices have limited capacity and efficiency, as they are slow in producing multiple ice cubes and require manual handling, leading to unhygienic conditions and difficulties in metering the correct amount of ice.
Innovation Solution
A device with movable mould halves and refrigerating means that allows for high-output ice cube production by forming interconnected ice cubes, which can be easily removed and packaged, along with a metering system using mechanical means to accurately dispense ice cubes into a drinking container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a known device with an elongated mould and spraying device is used, then ice cubes can be produced, but the production capacity is limited and growth is too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The mould is divided into two movable mould halves, allowing the ice column to be segmented and removed in sections. This segmentation enables faster removal and packaging of multiple ice cubes simultaneously, increasing production capacity without extending growth time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mould halves are made movable relative to each other, transforming the static mould into a dynamic system. This allows the mould to open and close, facilitating quick removal of the ice column and enabling rapid restart of production cycles, thereby improving productivity.
2Ease of operation
If ice cubes are produced using a known device, then ice can be made, but manual handling is required leading to unhygienic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mould into movable halves, the ice column can be easily separated and removed as a unit. This facilitates automated or semi-automated handling and packaging processes, reducing manual contact and improving hygiene conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mould halves enable the ice column to be self-ejected or easily removed without complex manual intervention. The design allows the ice to be automatically positioned for packaging, reducing the need for manual handling and improving hygiene.
3Productivity
If a known device with open compartments is used, then ice cubes can be formed, but only one layer can be made with each batch
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from producing ice cubes in a single layer (two-dimensional arrangement) to producing multiple layers simultaneously (three-dimensional arrangement) by using a mould with two movable halves that can enclose and form ice in vertical stacks, significantly increasing the number of ice cubes per batch.
Solution Approach 2:
The mould is segmented into two movable halves that can open and close, allowing the formation of multiple ice cubes in different layers within the same mould cavity. This segmentation enables complex internal structures while maintaining ease of removal.
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 significantly increases ice cube production capacity, ensures efficient and hygienic operation, and allows for precise metering of ice cubes, reducing manual handling and exposure to ambient air.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerating device for freezing said liquid substance
Implementation Method 2
the mould comprises heating means for detaching the ice column from the mould halves by melting
Data Source
AI summary
Device and method for making ice cubes, comprising a supplying device for supplying a liquid substance to at least one elongated mold (1) and a refrigerating device for freezing said liquid substance, which at least one mold defines a space for an ice column which is at least substantially closed at least while said liquid substance is being refrigerated. The at least one mold comprises two mold halves (Ia, Ib) which are movable relative to each other, so that the mold halves can be moved apart once the ice column has been formed. Method for making ice cubes, comprising the steps of a) supplying a liquid substance to a mold, b) freezing the liquid substance in the mold, and c) removing the ice cubes thus formed from the mold, wherein the liquid substance is supplied in step a) to a mold comprising an at least substantially closed space. Metering device for ice cubes.