Portable ice shaver system for a portable drink maker system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice shaver systems for portable drink makers are bulky and difficult to transport due to their configuration, which includes a motor and gear box below the shaft, and lack safety features to protect consumers from injury.
Innovation Solution
A portable ice shaver system with a shaft extending into a gear box to reduce size and a safety mechanism that retracts the shaver blade when disengaged, integrated with a blender system, allowing for compact design and user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the motor and gear box are placed below the shaft that drives rotation of the shaver system, then the system can provide sufficient power and mechanical advantage, but the device becomes larger and more bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor and gear box into a single integrated assembly that is positioned above the shaft, merging two separate components into one compact unit. This reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the necessary power transmission capability through the shaft to the shaver system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the motor and gear box assembly from a below-shaft configuration to an above-shaft configuration, utilizing vertical space more efficiently. This dimensional rearrangement allows the drive components to be located in the upper portion of the device, reducing the device's footprint and making it more compact without compromising power delivery.
2Productivity
If the ice shaver system is located above and behind the blender system, then the shaved ice can fall directly into the blender, but the device takes up significant space and is difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ice shaver system and blender system into a single integrated portable device, combining two separate functions (ice shaving and blending) into one compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate independent systems and reduces the overall space required while maintaining the functional workflow of shaving ice and transferring it to the blender.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the ice shaver system within or adjacent to the blender system in a nested or space-efficient arrangement, where the shaver components are integrated into the overall device structure. This nesting approach allows the shaved ice to fall directly into the blender container while minimizing the device's external dimensions and improving portability.
3Ease of repair
If the shaver blade remains exposed when the systems are disengaged, then the blade is accessible for cleaning, but consumers are at risk of injury from the exposed blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a safety mechanism that automatically retracts or covers the shaver blade when the ice shaver system and blender system are disengaged. This preliminary protective action prevents user injury by ensuring the blade is not exposed during handling or cleaning operations, while still allowing access when the systems are properly connected and operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic safety feature where the blade position or protective covering is automatically adjusted based on the engagement state of the systems. When engaged, the blade is positioned for operation; when disengaged, the blade is retracted or covered. This dynamic response ensures safety without permanently compromising accessibility when needed.
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 system is more compact and portable, reducing space requirements and incorporating safety features to prevent user injury during disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring of the plunger mechanism may force the plunger mechanism in a downward direction towards a shaver blade
Data Source
AI summary
A drink maker system is provided that may include an ice maker system and a blender system. The ice maker system may include an ice shaver module and an ice reservoir. The ice maker system may be positioned substantially on top of the blender system. A shaft of a plunger mechanism of the ice shaver module may extend into a gear box of the ice shaver module. The plunger mechanism and shaft are downwardly biased such that ice which is placed in the ice reservoir is pressed downwardly to be shaved before it is introduced into the blender system to be blended.