Weirless Ice Tray Structure for Overflow-Free Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice trays with weirs between cavities suffer from excess water overflow and stress concentration issues during ice cube removal, leading to inefficiencies and reduced tray lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A weirless ice tray design with upwardly opening cavities and a water distribution system that ensures each cavity receives only its volume of water, preventing overflow and reducing stress through a flexible body portion and raised portions for improved ice cube release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If weirs are used to provide water flow between cavities, then water distribution is improved, but stress concentration and tray lifespan are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the weirs (disturbing elements) from the ice tray design. Instead of using weirs to distribute water, the invention uses a water distribution system with outlets positioned above each cavity that delivers water directly to the intended cavity, eliminating the stress concentration and lifespan reduction caused by weirs while maintaining effective water distribution.
2Productivity
If excess water is introduced into cavities, then filling efficiency is improved, but water overflow into adjacent cavities occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions water distribution outlets above each cavity and controls the water delivery volume to match or be slightly less than each cavity's volume. This preliminary control of water quantity and placement prevents overflow into adjacent cavities while maintaining efficient filling, eliminating the need for weirs to manage excess water.
3Ease of operation
If weirs are extended between cavities, then water flow control is improved, but stress concentration during ice removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the weirs that create stress concentration points in the tray body. Water flow control is achieved through a separate water distribution system with outlets positioned above each cavity, allowing the tray body to be made from thin sheet material without the structural weakening caused by embedded weirs.
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 effectively prevents water overflow and reduces stress concentrations, ensuring efficient ice cube formation and extended tray lifespan by eliminating weirs and using a flexible, planar body with raised portions for easy ice removal.
Implementation Method 1
The water distribution system may include a fluid conduit having a plurality of outlets, with at least one outlet being positioned above each cavity such that water flowing through the fluid conduit exits the outlets and flows into the cavities
Implementation Method 2
The ice tray may be made from a thin sheet of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The ice tray may also be made from a polymer material
Data Source
AI summary
An ice tray may include a substantially planar body portion with a plurality of cavities that are not interconnected by weirs. The ice tray may include a body having raised portions between adjacent cavities to alleviate stress that may otherwise form in these areas. A water distribution system may be utilized to provide specified volumes of water in the cavities to prevent overflowing of the cavities.