Rotating Ice Barrel Dispensing for Jam-Free Portion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice dispensing devices often jam and fail to consistently dispense a regulated amount of ice, especially when the storage bin is full or nearly empty, and they tend to dispense undesirable 'bottom of the bin' ice, while also relying on moving parts that increase the risk of jamming and require unreliable measuring mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable barrel system with an input chute connected to an ice making machine and an output chute, where the barrel rotates between positions to direct and capture a regulated amount of ice without moving parts against the ice, using a containment system and a drive system that can be human-powered or motor-driven, minimizing airflow and maintaining below-freezing temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If moving parts (paddle wheels, augers, conveyors) are used to move ice, then ice can be dispensed from storage, but the device is prone to jamming and unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all moving parts that contact ice (paddle wheels, augers, conveyors) from the system. Instead, ice is moved by gravity flow through a controlled opening, eliminating the source of jamming while maintaining dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical ice-moving components with a gravity-based flow system. Ice moves through the dispensing mechanism via gravity rather than mechanical agitation, eliminating contact between moving parts and ice.
2Manufacturing precision
If measuring mechanisms are added to regulate ice amount, then dispensing precision can be improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening itself serves as the regulating mechanism. Its fixed geometry automatically controls the volume of ice dispensed per rotation without requiring external measuring devices, sensors, or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the geometric parameters of the opening (size, shape, position) to control ice dispensing volume. By designing the opening with specific dimensions, the system achieves regulated dispensing through pure geometry rather than active measurement.
3Ease of operation
If ice is dispensed from the bottom of the bin, then dispensing is simple, but the dispensed ice is watery and least desirable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of vertical bottom-dispensing, the patent uses a rotatable barrel with a strategically positioned opening that accesses ice from the middle/side regions of the storage bin. This dimensional change in access location provides higher quality ice while maintaining simple operation.
4Productivity
If airflow through the bin opening is increased during dispensing, then ice can be moved more efficiently, but bin temperature increases causing ice to melt
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel rotates periodically to bring the opening to the ice supply position, captures ice, then rotates to the dispensing position. This periodic motion allows controlled ice transfer with minimal continuous airflow exposure to the bin contents.
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 ensures consistent and reliable dispensing of ice regardless of bin fullness, temperature, or type, without jamming, and maintains lower bin temperatures by minimizing airflow, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable barrel system with an input chute connected to an ice making machine and an output chute, where the barrel rotates between positions to direct and capture a regulated amount of ice
Implementation Method 2
minimizing airflow and maintaining below-freezing temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
An ice dispensing system includes a rotatable barrel (3) having an opening (4); an input chute (2) having a first end coupled to an ice making machine (1) and a second end in communication with the opening (4) when the barrel is in a first position; an output chute (14) in communication with the opening (4) when the barrel (3) is in a second position; a containment system (12) positioned around a portion of the body of the barrel (3); and a drive system (5) coupled to the barrel (3) for rotating the barrel (3). The opening (4) has a geometry and size (15) that directs the ice and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position. The regulated amount of ice is then dispensed into the output chute (14) when the barrel (3) reaches the second position.