Machine readable ice cube mold and maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice making appliances require manual filling and varying freezing times for custom molds, leading to inefficiencies in producing sufficient ice for events and occupying valuable freezer space.
Innovation Solution
An ice making appliance with a mold identifier reader, controller, and external communication network that automatically adjusts water volume and freezing parameters based on the specific ice mold, optimizing the freezing process and notifying users when ice is ready.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual filling of custom ice molds is used, then consumers can create ice of varying sizes and shapes, but the process requires significant user effort and time management
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the mold type via RFID reader, determines the appropriate water volume and freezing parameters, and executes the filling and freezing process without user intervention. The appliance serves itself by managing the entire ice making workflow from mold detection to ice production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters (water volume, freezing time, temperature settings) based on the detected mold type. Different mold configurations trigger different parameter sets, enabling the same appliance to optimize performance for various custom ice shapes and sizes.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple ice molds are used simultaneously to produce sufficient ice volume, then ice quantity requirement is met, but valuable freezer space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables rapid sequential production of ice by automatically managing the complete freezing cycle and notifying users when ice is ready. This continuous operation allows users to produce sufficient ice volume over time without needing to store multiple molds simultaneously in the freezer.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID reader provides feedback about the mold type to the controller, which then adjusts parameters to optimize freezing efficiency. This feedback loop ensures each freezing cycle is maximally productive, reducing the total time and space needed to produce the required ice quantity.
3Manufacturing precision
If varying freezing times are used for different mold shapes, then optimal ice quality is achieved, but user coordination and time management become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines the optimal freezing parameters based on the detected mold type before the freezing process begins. The controller stores and retrieves appropriate freezing time and temperature profiles in advance, eliminating the need for users to coordinate or track varying freezing times for different molds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the freezing process and uses feedback from temperature sensors and timing mechanisms to ensure optimal ice quality for each mold type. The notification system provides real-time feedback to users when the freezing cycle is complete, simplifying user interaction despite the complexity of varying freezing requirements.
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 efficient, automated ice production tailored to different mold shapes, ensuring timely completion and reducing freezer space usage by optimizing water usage and freezing time.
Implementation Method 1
such liquid water can freeze within the plurality of cavities to form solid ice cubes
Data Source
AI summary
Ice making appliances and methods for making ice using a machine-readable ice cube mold are provided herein. The ice making appliances and methods of making ice may include obtaining ice mold identifier data from the ice mold. Ice mold identifier may be used to acquire operating parameters of the ice making appliance specific to that ice mold from an external communication network. The operating parameters may be used to adjust operation of the appliance, such as the volume of water to dispense for that particular mold.