Immiscible Fluid Solidification for Predictable Ice Shape Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for solidification and solid production, such as ice production, lack efficiency and effectiveness in forming solids with predictable sizes and shapes while minimizing energy consumption and mechanical complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system involving immiscible fluids, where a non-polar first fluid and a polar second fluid are contacted to facilitate solidification, with the first fluid having an affinity for cold surfaces, allowing for controlled hydrodynamic properties to form predictable solid shapes within coils or on cold surfaces, and utilizing specific coil features and removal mechanisms to achieve efficient solid formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional solidification methods are used, then solids can be produced, but the energy consumption is high and the mechanical complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsolid production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

An immiscible fluid intermediary is introduced to facilitate heat transfer during solidification. The intermediary fluid enables efficient thermal coupling between the cold surface and the solidifying material without direct contact, reducing energy consumption while maintaining high solidification rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical solidification systems are replaced with a fluid-based heat transfer system. The immiscible fluid intermediary transfers thermal energy through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical contact, reducing mechanical complexity while improving energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional solidification methods are used, then solids can be produced, but the ability to form solids with predictable sizes and shapes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolid shape predictabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses hydraulic principles with immiscible fluids to control the solidification process. The fluid flow dynamics, governed by hydraulic principles, automatically form solids with predictable sizes and shapes based on flow rate, pressure, and coil geometry, achieving manufacturing precision without complex mechanical controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves shape control by changing fluid parameters (flow rate, temperature, pressure) rather than mechanical parameters. By adjusting the immiscible fluid's flow characteristics through the coil, predictable solid shapes are formed without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If immiscible fluids are used to facilitate solidification, then energy consumption is minimized, but the system requires specific fluid properties and handling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidfluid handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system exploits phase transitions of the immiscible fluids to simplify handling. The fluids transition between liquid and solid phases at controlled temperatures, enabling automatic separation and recovery without complex mechanical handling mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of operation while minimizing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 method enables the production of solids with high volumetric surface area and predictable shapes using minimal energy and mechanical complexity, allowing for efficient solid formation and removal with controlled hydrodynamic properties.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a first fluid with a second fluid to facilitate solidifying the second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImmiscibility:

Implementation Method 2

flowing the first fluid and the second fluid through a coil to solidify at least a portion of the second fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

one or more hydrodynamic properties of the first fluid form the second fluid into one or more solidified shapes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamics:

Data Source

PatentUS10544974B2Solid production methods, systems, and devices

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 REBOUND TECH INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and device for solidification and/or solid production, such as ice production, are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a method of solid production that may include contacting a first fluid with a second fluid to facilitate solidifying the second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other. The method may include solidifying the second fluid. Some embodiments include a solid production system that may include a first fluid and a second fluid; the first fluid and the second fluid may be immiscible with respect to each other. The system may include one or more surfaces configured to contact the first fluid and the second fluid with each other and to form one or more solids from the second fluid.