Spherical Cooling Assembly for Motor-Free Ingredient Agitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice cream makers require manual or motorized agitation, which can be tedious and prone to mechanical issues, and lack an entertaining and efficient way to cool ingredients.
Innovation Solution
A sealable and thermally conductive inner canister within a sealable outer container with a curved or spherical configuration, allowing the assembly to be rolled or tossed for agitation and cooling, featuring a multi-layer structure with an elastomeric external shell and rigid internal shell for insulation and structural reinforcement, along with movable flaps for stable positioning and easy loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If manual turning and agitation of the canister is used during the ice cream making process, then the liquid ingredients can be cooled and mixed, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical motorized agitation system with a manual rolling/tossing motion of the entire spherical device. This substitution eliminates motors and mechanical drive systems while achieving both cooling and agitation functions through simple user manipulation of the spherical outer container, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and effective cooling/agitation.
2Extent of automation
If motorized turning systems are used to agitate the liquid ingredients, then the cooling and mixing process is automated, but the motor may stall or burn out due to canister jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the motor component entirely from the system, replacing it with a manual rolling/tossing mechanism. This extraction eliminates the reliability issues associated with motors (stalling, burning out) while maintaining the agitation function through simple spherical manipulation, directly resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a spherical outer container is used for rolling and tossing, then the device provides entertainment and eliminates motor requirements, but the structure becomes more complex with nested containers
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical outer container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural housing for the nested containers, enables the rolling/tossing agitation mechanism, and creates the entertaining user experience. This multi-functionality justifies the nested structure by consolidating multiple roles into a single external component, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
4Loss of energy
If an elastomeric external shell with rigid internal shell is used, then insulation and structural reinforcement are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite shell structure with an elastomeric external shell providing thermal insulation and a rigid internal shell providing structural reinforcement. This composite construction optimizes the balance between energy efficiency (reducing heat transfer) and manufacturability, as each layer can be produced using appropriate materials and processes for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and ease of manufacture.
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
Facilitates efficient and entertaining cooling of ingredients without the need for a motor, providing stable positioning and easy loading, while reducing heat transfer and enhancing user comfort during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sealable and thermally conductive inner canister that can be received in a sealable outer container, and in which the outer container or an intermediate surface provides a sealable cooling chamber located between the inner canister and the outer container
Implementation Method 2
featuring a multi-layer structure with an elastomeric external shell and rigid internal shell for insulation and structural reinforcement
Data Source
AI summary
Cooling assemblies having a sealable cooling chamber formed as the interior volume of a curved or spherical outer container and a sealable inner canister are disclosed. The outer container may be provided as a multi-layer container having an external elastomeric shell. The external elastomeric shell may have an inner framework including a plurality of longitudinal ribs and a reinforcing wall. A movable flap adjustable between a projecting condition in which the flap extends from the exterior surface of the outer container and a closed position in which the flap doesn't project may be provided for supporting the cooling assembly in a stationary condition and the flap may be used as a handle for opening a lid.