Machine for the production and distribution of ice particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice production machines face issues with accessibility, hygiene, contamination, and thermal insulation, as users must bend down to access ice, which is susceptible to pollutants and dust, and the machines often require complex support structures when raised for better access.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a closed, thermally insulated housing for ice storage and distribution located outside the frame, allowing the ice dispenser to be positioned at standing height without additional support, and featuring an agitator to prevent conglomeration, along with electronic controls for pre-set dispensing and detection of receiving containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the machine is set directly on the floor with the ice dispenser at ground level, then the machine structure is simple and requires no support brackets, but the user must bend down to access the ice which is inconvenient and exposes the ice to pollutants and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The ice dispenser is moved from ground level to a vertically elevated position on the side of the machine, allowing users to access ice at standing height. This vertical dimensionality change resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity, as the dispenser is integrated into the machine's side profile rather than requiring separate support structures.
2Ease of operation
If the machine is raised to a higher level above the ground for easier access and better hygiene, then user access to ice is improved and hygiene is better, but the machine requires complex support structures including brackets and safety locking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged with the machine's existing structural components. The ice dispenser is integrated into the side of the machine housing, which itself provides the necessary structural support. This eliminates the need for separate support brackets and locking systems, resolving the contradiction by improving ease of operation without increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the collection chamber is open to the atmosphere or has a door, then the user can access the ice particles, but the ice is susceptible to pollutants and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The collection chamber is enclosed with a closed door that can be opened when access is needed and closed when not in use. This flexible closure mechanism protects the ice particles from pollutants and dust while maintaining ease of operation, as users can open the door only when they need to retrieve ice rather than leaving it permanently open.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice dispenser is extracted from the main collection chamber and positioned in a separate location on the side of the machine. This allows the collection chamber to remain closed and protected from pollutants, while the dispenser provides controlled access to ice particles without requiring the entire chamber to be open to the atmosphere.
4Ease of manufacture
If the ice dispenser does not have good thermal insulation, then the structure is simpler, but the ice particles conglomerate
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser housing incorporates thermal insulation layers that prevent heat transfer from the external environment to the stored ice particles. This insulation maintains the ice particles in a loose, non-conglomerated state by preventing temperature fluctuations, while the overall dispenser structure remains relatively simple and easy to manufacture.
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 provides protected, easily accessible, and consistently available ice at standing height, preventing contamination and conglomeration, while simplifying the machine structure and enabling pre-set dispensing of ice particles.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerator group evaporator (2) and forming means (3) for forming ice particles
Implementation Method 2
a closed housing (5) for storing ice particles... the closed housing is thermally insulated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The machine for the production and distribution of ice particles has a frame comprising a refrigerator group evaporator and forming means for forming ice particles. The machine further has a distributing device for distributing ice particles and comprising a closed housing for storing ice particles, the distributing device is located outside of the frame.