In-Line Ice Crusher Layout for Space-Limited Beverage Dispensers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial ice dispensers in crowded spaces face challenges in providing crushed ice without increasing height or footprint, as existing designs lack sufficient room for an ice crusher and often result in ice clumping issues.

Innovation Solution

An integrated ice crusher within the ice dispenser that allows for the selection of crushed or cubed ice, utilizing rotating and non-rotating blades to crush ice without adding height, and can be retrofitted into existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an ice crusher is added to a beverage dispenser with an ice bin, then crushed ice can be dispensed, but the height of the machine increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice type selectionVSAvoidmachine height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ice crusher is nested within the existing beverage dispenser housing, utilizing the internal space of the ice bin area. The crusher mechanism fits inside the ice bin compartment, allowing crushed ice to be dispensed without increasing the external height of the machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The ice crusher is positioned horizontally within the ice bin space rather than vertically, utilizing the depth and width dimensions of the existing machine footprint to accommodate the crusher mechanism without adding height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an ice crusher is integrated into the dispenser, then crushed ice can be provided, but the footprint of the dispenser increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice type selectionVSAvoiddispenser footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of stationary object

If ice is stored in a non-refrigerated ice bin, then space is saved, but ice clumping occurs making dispensing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice storage spaceVSAvoidice dispensing

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ice crusher pre-processes the ice by crushing it immediately before dispensing, preventing clumping from occurring during storage. The crusher mechanism breaks up any forming clumps and delivers loose, free-flowing crushed ice to the dispensing chute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ice crusher acts as an intermediary device between the non-refrigerated ice bin and the dispensing chute, transforming the clumped ice from storage into free-flowing crushed ice that can be easily dispensed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables convenient and timely dispensing of crushed ice with minimal equipment footprint, addressing space constraints and ice clumping problems while maintaining the convenience of cubed ice delivery.

Implementation Method 1

at least one rotating and at least one non-rotating crusher blade within the ice crusher housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least one rotating and at least one non-rotating crusher blade within the ice crusher housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS7802444B2Ice/beverage dispenser with in-line ice crusher

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 MANITOWOC FOODSERVICE CO LLC

AI summary

An ice crusher is attached to an ice dispenser or to a combined ice and beverage dispenser. The ice crusher occupies minimal space in order to fit the dispenser into an existing space on a serving counter or in a beverage dispensing area. The ice crusher may also elevate the ice. In embodiments using this technique, the outlet of the ice from the ice crusher is higher than the ice inlet. As the ice flows from a source of ice, such as an ice bin, the ice is elevated while it is being crushed. The ice then flows from the outlet of the ice crusher down an ice chute or other outlet of the ice crusher, into a cup or container as desired. Other embodiments convey the ice without lifting it, and still other embodiments dispense either crushed or cubed ice, as the consumer may select. In one embodiment the selected crushed ice or cubed ice are both dispensed though the same ice dispensing chute. A retrofit kit may be used to add an ice crusher to an existing ice dispenser, or to an existing combined ice and beverage dispenser.