Segmented Tapered-Wall Ice Mold for Zone-by-Zone Block Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice molds do not efficiently facilitate the freezing and easy removal of ice blocks, often resulting in stuck ice and inefficient use of space and container compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A mold design featuring a separator base and walls that define multiple molding zones with communication zones for fluid flow, a tapered profile for easy removal, and a flexible interconnection system allowing for stacked or side-by-side configuration, enabling efficient freezing and easy extraction of ice blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing ice molds are used, then ice blocks can be produced, but the ice blocks stick to the mold and are difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into multiple independent molding zones separated by separator bases and walls. Each zone can be independently filled and emptied, allowing ice blocks to be removed zone by zone rather than requiring complete mold disassembly. This segmentation enables easier extraction while maintaining structural integrity during freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold design inverts the traditional approach by allowing the mold walls to be collapsed inward rather than requiring the ice block to be pulled outward. The flexible walls can be pushed inward to release the ice block, which then falls out due to gravity. This inversion of the release mechanism dramatically improves ease of removal.
2Productivity
If traditional mold designs are used, then ice can be frozen, but space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple molding zones are nested within a single mold structure, with separator bases and walls creating compact arrangements. The mold can be configured to maximize the use of available container space, allowing multiple ice blocks to be produced simultaneously in a compact footprint, thereby improving productivity without requiring excessive volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional containers are used, then they are readily available, but they are not compatible with standard ice mold dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The mold design incorporates universal features that allow it to adapt to various conventional container types (ice cream tubs, yoghurt pots, plastic bags). The separator base and flexible wall structure can be configured to fit different container shapes and sizes, making the mold versatile across multiple container types without requiring specialized designs for each container.
4Loss of time
If liquid is filled quickly, then filling time is reduced, but liquid spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold includes preliminary drainage features and separator structures that prepare the molding zones for efficient filling. The separator bases create defined channels that guide liquid flow, allowing rapid filling while preventing overflow through pre-configured flow paths and capacity indicators.
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 mold allows for easy extraction of ice blocks, efficient use of space, and reduced liquid spillage during filling, compatible with conventional containers like ice cream or yoghurt tubs, enhancing the production and handling of ice.
Implementation Method 1
The walls may taper in thickness from the separator base towards their respective free edge regions. The walls and base may be configured to form moulding zones of any suitable three-dimensional geometric shape... preferably being generally rectangular.
Implementation Method 2
This invention relates to a mould for moulding liquid water as it freezes into ice.
Implementation Method 3
Communication zones may be defined in the walls for allowing fluid communication between adjacent moulding zones. Further communication zones may be defined in the base for allowing fluid communication between moulding zones on either side of the base.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, there is provided a mould 10 which includes a separator base 12 and walls 14 extending from opposing sides 16.1 and 16.2 of the base 12 which, together with the base 12, are arranged to define a plurality of moulding zones 18 for receiving liquid (not shown) to be moulded therein.