Stackable Ice Block Mold with Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice molds do not efficiently allow for the stacking and storage of ice blocks within freezer space, and they lack a convenient means for carrying and transporting frozen ice blocks.
Innovation Solution
A stackable ice mold design that includes a removable support bar and a handle member with legs that are frozen into the ice block, allowing for easy transport and stacking of ice blocks with attached handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional ice molds are used, then ice blocks can be produced, but they cannot be efficiently stacked and stored in freezer space
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is designed with an inverted frustoconical shape that allows one mold to be nested inside another when empty, maximizing freezer space utilization during storage. The tapered geometry enables compact stacking of multiple molds without requiring additional storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
Handles are integrated into the mold structure before freezing occurs, so that when ice blocks are removed from the mold, they already have attached handles ready for carrying. This eliminates the need for separate handle attachment steps and ensures handles are always available when ice blocks are produced.
2Ease of operation
If traditional ice molds are used, then ice blocks can be produced, but they lack a convenient means for carrying and transporting
Solution Approach 1:
The handle and mold are merged into a single integrated structure, where the handle is formed as an integral part of the mold body. This combination ensures that every ice block produced automatically has a attached handle, eliminating the need for separate carrying devices while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold structure itself provides the carrying function through its integrated handle, rather than requiring external carrying devices. The handle is automatically available with each ice block production cycle, making the system self-sufficient for both production and transport functions.
3Ease of operation
If handles are attached to ice blocks, then carrying convenience is improved, but the mold structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle and mold are merged into a single integrated structure, where the handle is formed as an integral part of the mold body. This combination ensures that every ice block produced automatically has a attached handle, eliminating the need for separate carrying devices while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 solution enables efficient stacking and storage of ice blocks, reduces wasted freezer space, and provides a convenient means for carrying and transporting ice blocks, while also allowing for reusable handles.
Implementation Method 1
the legs extend downwardly into the ice block mold... After the appropriate water level has been reached, then the ice block mold is placed into a freezer until the ice block is frozen
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable ice block mold includes a removable support bar that extends across an upper portion of ice block mold from one side to an opposing side thereof, and a handle member that includes a pair of legs extending downwardly therefrom. The handle member is preferably positioned above the removable support bar, in some embodiments, and the legs extend downwardly into the ice block mold. The ice block mold is filled with water, so that the water level is below handle member in some embodiments, and so that the legs extending downwardly from the handle member are substantially submerged in the water. Upon freezing, the legs of the handle member are frozen into the ice block, allowing the handle to carry the ice block. The mold may be collapsible, and the handle may be recessed into the ice block, and the ice blocks themselves are stackable in various embodiments.