Ice Water Pipe Mold Design to Prevent Cracking During Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice water pipes face issues with cracking when items are removed from frozen blocks, and there is a need for a mold that allows direct insertion of a glass smoking bowl and a catch basin with an entertainment light.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mold with a sheath and plug combination that creates a hole in a block of ice without cracking it, along with a side mount hole for a rubber collar adapter and a catch basin tray with a battery-powered LED light display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If items are removed from frozen blocks of ice, then the items can be extracted, but the ice block cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ice block into segments by creating separate cavities for different components (bowl, adapter, LED). Each cavity is formed independently using molds inserted before freezing, allowing components to be extracted without cracking the remaining ice structure. The ice block is effectively segmented into multiple usable sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold structures are inserted into the liquid water before freezing occurs. This preliminary placement allows the molds to expand slightly as water freezes around them, creating clean release surfaces. When frozen, the molds can be easily removed without cracking the ice, and cavities are already formed for direct component insertion.
2Ease of operation
If a glass smoking bowl is inserted into frozen ice, then the bowl can be positioned, but the ice cracks upon insertion
Solution Approach 1:
A cavity for the glass bowl is formed in advance by inserting a bowl-shaped mold into the liquid water before freezing. Once frozen, the mold is removed, leaving a pre-formed cavity. The glass bowl can then be inserted into this pre-formed cavity without causing ice cracks, as the cavity walls are already formed and flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible ice cavity walls that can deform slightly to accommodate the glass bowl insertion. The flexible nature of the ice (compared to rigid solid structures) allows the cavity to expand or deform during insertion without cracking, maintaining ice block integrity while enabling easy component installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ice block is made larger to accommodate all features, then all components fit, but the ice becomes more prone to cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The ice block is segmented into multiple smaller cavities rather than one large cavity. Each cavity is sized appropriately for its specific component (bowl, adapter, LED), preventing the need for a single large cavity that would create stress concentrations and increase cracking risk. The segmented approach maintains structural integrity while accommodating all features.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention arranges components in three-dimensional space within the ice block, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions efficiently. The bowl cavity, adapter cavity, and LED cavity are positioned at different depths and locations, optimizing space utilization without requiring an excessively large ice block that would be structurally weak.
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 allows for the creation of a non-cracked ice block with a hole and enables direct insertion of a glass bowl, while the LED light display provides a visual effect during use, maintaining functionality as the ice melts.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible mold is filled with water to form a frozen water pipe
Implementation Method 2
as the ice of the body melts or deforms
Data Source
AI summary
A water pipe is made of ice from a flexible mold. The mold has a central main sheath to form a central smoke channel in the ice pipe. A core plug is placed in the central main sheath to prevent a collapse of the central main sheath during the freeze process. A bulkhead projects from the side of the mold which has a smoke channel therein. A smoke sheath intersects with the central main sheath to form a smoke channel from a bowl on the smoke channel inlet up the central smoke channel. The ice pipe is placed on a tray having an associated LED entertainment light so as to light up the ice pipe during use.