Appliance for making and collecting ice having varied characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishments require multiple types of ice but need to procure and allocate space for multiple ice machines, which is inefficient and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A single appliance with multiple evaporator modules capable of producing different types of ice, each with distinct characteristics such as geometry, volume, and clarity, and organized into separate bins for user selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ice machines are used to produce different types of ice, then the variety of ice characteristics is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ice-making functions into a single ice machine by integrating multiple evaporators with different configurations (plate evaporator for clear ice, tube evaporator for opaque ice, flake evaporator for flake ice) within one device. This merging approach allows the system to produce various ice types while reducing the number of separate machines needed from multiple to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice machine is designed as a universal device capable of producing multiple types of ice with different characteristics (clear, opaque, flake, nugget) through a single unit. The system uses a common refrigeration system, control unit, and housing that accommodates different evaporator types, making the device multi-functional rather than requiring specialized machines for each ice type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ice machines are deployed to meet diverse ice needs, then the ice characteristic diversity is improved, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple ice-making functions into a single footprint by integrating different evaporator types (plate, tube, flake) within one housing. This consolidation reduces the space occupied from multiple separate machines to a single unit, while still providing diverse ice characteristics through the different evaporator configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests multiple evaporator systems within a single ice machine housing, allowing different ice-making mechanisms to coexist in a compact arrangement. The nested configuration enables space-efficient integration of multiple ice types in one device rather than requiring separate dedicated spaces for each machine.
3Area of stationary object
If a single ice machine produces multiple ice types, then the space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ice machine is segmented into distinct modules, with each evaporator (plate, tube, flake) functioning as an independent yet integrated component. The control unit is also segmented to manage each evaporator type separately, allowing complex ice-making capabilities to be organized into manageable, modular sections that simplify the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through a control unit that can selectively activate different evaporators based on the desired ice type. The dynamic switching between evaporator configurations allows the single machine to adapt its internal structure and operation mode, managing complexity through flexible, programmable control rather than fixed mechanical complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different evaporators are integrated in one machine, then the ice type variety is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is facilitated by segmenting the ice machine into modular evaporator units (plate, tube, flake) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the final device. This segmentation allows each evaporator type to be produced using specialized processes optimized for its specific requirements, then integrated into the common housing and refrigeration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses universal components and standardized interfaces that allow different evaporator types to be integrated into a common platform. The shared refrigeration system, control unit, and housing provide a universal framework that simplifies manufacturing by reducing the need for completely separate production lines for each ice type.
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 production and organization of multiple ice types in a single unit, reducing space requirements and user-friendly selection of desired ice types.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration system configured to provide chilled coolant to two or more evaporators
Implementation Method 2
The two or more evaporators are configured to produce ice having a first set of characteristics
Implementation Method 3
a cooling line configured to remove heat from the plurality of wells
Implementation Method 4
In the open position water can flow over the plurality of wells and freeze into a geometry defined by the first mold portion
Implementation Method 5
A cooling line is disposed around the housing to remove heat from the housing
Implementation Method 6
The water freezes as it moves towards the first end and is extruded out of the one or more apertures
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide for an apparatus for making ice. The apparatus includes a refrigeration system configured to provide chilled coolant to two or more evaporators. The two or more evaporators are configured to produce ice having a first set of characteristics and to produce ice having a second set of characteristics. The characteristics of the first set of characteristics and the characteristics of the second set of characteristics consist of geometry, volume, compressive strength, and clarity. At least one characteristic of the second set of characteristics is different in value than the corresponding characteristic in the first set of characteristics.