Ice wall system and method of construction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing ice structures, such as ice walls and mazes, are labor-intensive and not practical for forming complex ice formations, as they require extensive ice formation to create supporting structures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of guidelines attached to posts to form a framework, where water is sprayed onto the framework from sprinklers, allowing ice to form and grow until it supports itself, with additional guidelines added to increase height and thickness as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional methods using frames or icicles are used to form ice structures, then ice formations can be created, but the labor intensity is very high and extensive ice must be formed just to create supporting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guidelines as intermediary elements that facilitate ice formation. These guidelines serve as templates that guide water flow and ice crystal growth, enabling ice structures to form more efficiently without requiring extensive manual ice formation work. The guidelines act as a mediator between the water spray system and the final ice structure, significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining construction capability.
2Shape
If complex ice walls and mazes are constructed using existing methods, then the desired ice formations are achieved, but the process requires extensive ice formation just to make supporting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing guidelines and support structures before ice formation begins. These pre-installed elements provide the framework that guides ice growth, allowing complex shapes to be achieved with less ice material. The guidelines are positioned in advance to define the desired geometry, so when water is sprayed and freezes, it follows the predetermined path, reducing the total ice quantity needed while maintaining structural complexity.
3Strength
If traditional ice construction methods are used, then ice structures can be formed, but extensive labor is required to form ice just to make a form to support ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual ice formation and structure building with a spray-based ice deposition system. Instead of manually forming and positioning ice blocks or icicles, water is sprayed through nozzles that follow the guidelines, allowing ice to deposit automatically in the desired configuration. This substitution dramatically reduces labor intensity while maintaining the structural support capability of the ice formations.
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
This method enables the efficient construction of strong, freestanding ice structures by allowing ice to grow and support itself, reducing labor intensity and enabling the creation of complex ice formations.
Implementation Method 1
spray water at low temperatures causing ice to form on framework
Data Source
AI summary
A method of building ice structures using guidelines attached to posts to form a framework. Water is sprayed on the frame from sprinklers. Ice forms on the guidelines and grows until the ice supports itself. The structures are built higher as guidelines are added above each previous row of ice. As the ice continues to build up over time, the structures grow in height and thickness to be strong, freestanding structures. The method for creating ice pillars involves the following: Installing vertical posts, positioned around a sprinkler; attach guidelines from post to posts, creating a framework; and spraying water at low temperatures causing ice to form on framework. If desired height of pillar has not been reached, raise sprinkler and attach new guidelines above previous guidelines to existing posts. If desired height has been reached but desired thickness has not, continue spraying water at low temperatures.