Segmented Snow Block Mold for Upright Block Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow block formation technologies require inversion or disturbance of formed blocks to release them, limiting the ability to create large, transportable, and easily positionable snow blocks without manual lifting or inversion.
Innovation Solution
A snow block erector set comprising rectangular side and end walls, brace bars, and locking mechanisms that allow for upright support and easy assembly, enabling the formation of large snow blocks without inversion, and facilitating transport and positioning without manual lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional molds are used to form snow blocks, then snow blocks can be formed, but the molds require inversion or disturbance to release the formed blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into four separate wall elements that can be independently removed. Each wall is a discrete component that can be detached from the formed snow block without requiring inversion or disturbance of the block itself, directly resolving the release problem
Solution Approach 2:
The wall elements are extracted from the traditional enclosed mold structure and can be individually removed from the formed block. This extraction allows each wall to be separated independently, enabling block release without inversion while maintaining block integrity
2Quantity of substance
If large snow blocks are formed, then more snow can be accommodated, but the blocks become difficult to transport and position manually
Solution Approach 1:
The mold structure is segmented into four lightweight wall elements that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the formation of large blocks while the mold itself remains portable and easy to position, eliminating the need to manually lift heavy formed blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The mold transitions from a static enclosed structure to a dynamic assembly of four movable walls. The walls can be easily configured, positioned, and removed, providing operational flexibility that facilitates easy transport and repositioning of the mold system without manual handling of heavy formed blocks
3Productivity
If traditional molds are used, then snow blocks can be formed, but the molds occupy significant space when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is segmented into four separate wall elements that can be stored independently or nested together. This segmentation dramatically reduces the storage volume compared to a traditional solid mold structure, as the walls can be collapsed or stacked in a compact configuration while maintaining full block formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The four wall elements can be nested within each other when not in use, creating a compact storage configuration. The walls fit inside one another like nested dolls, minimizing the space required for storage while preserving the complete mold functionality for forming large snow blocks
4Productivity
If multiple snow blocks are formed simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the mold structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is segmented into four standardized wall elements that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement to form multiple blocks simultaneously or sequentially, increasing productivity while maintaining simple, modular structure that avoids excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each wall element serves multiple functions: it forms the sides of blocks, can be independently removed for block release, and can be reconfigured for different block arrangements. This multi-functionality increases productivity through versatile block formation while avoiding the need for complex specialized structures for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A snow block erector set including a pair of substantially rectangular side walls, each side wall having a top edge, a bottom edge two side edges, an outside surface and an inside surface, each side edge of each side wall connecting one end of the top edge of each side wall to one end of the bottom edge of each side wall to form a top corner and a bottom corner, respectively, an aperture and lock pair disposed substantially on each of the top corners; a pair of substantially rectangular end walls, each end wall having two side edges; a pair of brace bars, each having two ends; and a channel disposed substantially along each side edge on the inside surface of each of the substantially rectangular side walls.