VERTICAL ICE CUBE TRAY. The Tube Cubers. It s ice cubes from a tube. It s revolutionary.

Transcription

1 VERTICAL ICE CUBE TRAY The Tube Cubers It s ice cubes from a tube. It s revolutionary.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Team Contract... 2 a. Roles... 2 b. Communication... 2 c. Meetings... 2 d. Responsibilities... 2 e. Decisions... 3 f. Conflicts... 3 g. Accountability... 3 II. Client s Statement... 5 III. Idea Generation... 5 IV. Preliminary Designs V. Request for Feedback VI. Peer Post Review Revisions VII. Down-Select Process VIII. Initial Prototype IX. Final Design

3 I. Team Contract Project: Vertical Ice Cube Tray I. Roles NAME Team leader/taskmaster Team member #5 Scheduler/meeting coordinator Team member #1 Communicator Team member #4 Materials manager Team member #3 Recorder Team member #2 II. Regarding communication (What are the best ways to contact each other, set up meetings, etc.?) Behaviors we commit to: -use group or text message to communicate about group meetings and projects. -timely communication Behaviors to avoid: -not communicating or not communicating in a timely manner. -last minute communications III. Regarding team meetings Behaviors we commit to: - to stay on task and focus on the project - working together to come up with ideas - constructive criticism Behaviors to avoid: - causing distractions - undermining group collaboration - demeaning comments IV. Regarding responsibilities and tasks (How will work be split up? Which tasks will be completed individually? Which tasks will be completed as a team?) Behaviors we commit to: - communicating in advance who will do what tasks - completing tasks in time for group meetings - individual work will be assigned during group meetings or by the team leader if necessary. Behaviors to avoid: - not completing tasks - finishing work late - refusing to do work - unprofessional submissions 2

4 V. Regarding decisions (What will your decision-making process be?) Behaviors we commit to: -a group decision making process where each member has a voice. -taking votes where majority rules to make decisions. Behaviors to avoid: -not collaborating with the group -doing your own thing without asking the group -complaining about decisions after the vote has been taken VI. Regarding conflicts (How will conflicts be addressed?) Behaviors we commit to: -conflicts should be settled between the parties involved and should not affect the team. -if it is not resolved and it is regarding the project or it is affecting the team then the conflict will be resolved as follows: -If it is a two-party conflict then the other three members will convene to decide how to handle it, with a majority vote being decisive if necessary. -If it is a three party-conflict then the highest ranking member of the two not in conflict will make the decision. Behaviors to avoid: -uncivil verbal confrontations -physical altercations -refusing to accept the group decision VII. Regarding accountability (What steps will be followed if a team member does not uphold this contract?) Behaviors we commit to: -warn a member if he/she is acting in a way that is not compliant with the guidelines outlined herein. -inform Dr. Mena if issues persist. Behaviors to avoid: -lashing out at team members. -not warning team members -not responding accordingly to a warning by the rest of the group 3

5 I, ( Team member 1 ), agree to the terms specified in this contract. I, ( Team member 2 ), agree to the terms specified in this contract. I, ( Team member 3 ), agree to the terms specified in this contract. I, ( Team member 4 ), agree to the terms specified in this contract. I, ( Team member 5 ), agree to the terms specified in this contract. 4

6 II. Client s statement (9/11/18) Title of the Proposed Product/Part/Device: Vertical Ice Cube Tray Description of the Need: The product to be designed is an ice cube tray that is in the shape of a tube rather than a flat design used typically. This product would provide a better way of making ice cubes without spilling any of the liquid and creating a mess that could have been avoided. The Vertical Ice Cube Tray would also save space in freezers because it could be placed either vertically or horizontally to freeze the liquid. Once the liquid is frozen, there should be an effective way of getting the ice cubes out of the container without slamming the device onto the nearest surface and breaking the ice cubes. Design Requirements: Must be spill-proof and waterproof Must be easy to use Must be under $20 Must be safe for all drinkable liquids All materials used must be freezer safe Expected User(s): Anyone who enjoys ice cold beverages Children who would otherwise spill a typical ice cube tray People who need more room in their freezers III. Idea Generation (9/16/17) Issues with current designs: Takes large amount of space Limited supply- doesn t make enough at once Spills Hard to remove Design Ideas: Brainstorming (B) Heuristics (H) 1. (B)Stacking cylinders- plastic 2. (H)Stacking cylinders- stiff silicone 3. (B)Trivial pursuit stacking plastic 4. (H)Trivial pursuit stacking plastic dividers, silicone body 5. (H)Trivial pursuit stacking all stiff silicone 6. (H)Trivial pursuit snappable- stack together but snaps so that they don t come apart 7. (B)Hollow cylinder with insertable plastic divider that creates horseshoe shaped ice cubes 5

7 8. (B)Cylinder with little pockets that has another insertable cylinder that pushed the water into the pockets-plastic 9. (H)Same as above made of silicone 10. (H)Same as above with twisty outside that has an inclined plane that pushed the ice out of the mold for you 11. (B)Clam shell open- top pouring: a bunch of marshmallow shaped compartments stacked on top of each other with holes in the middle (for the water to flow through)-plastic 12. (H)Clam shell open- top pouring: a bunch of marshmallow shaped compartments stacked on top of each other with holes in the middle (for the water to flow through)- silicone 13. (H)Clam shell open- top pouring: a bunch of marshmallow shaped compartments stacked on top of each other with holes in the middle (for the water to flow through)-plastic with straw method filling 14. (H)Clam shell open-shell side split down the middle dividers in half on both sides 15. (H)Double clam shell open- open one side to get one set of ice cubes 16. (H)Clam shell that has a container that you put it in to make it stand up/lay down without spilling 17. (H)Clam shell with two segments top for ice and water retrieval 18. (B)Individual hinges per cube 19. (H)Same as last but the hinge action also snaps the hole connection 20. (B)Grid/honeycomb filled from above- pull out middle to drop ice cubes into bucket 21. (H)Same as above except instead of pulling you twist 180 to align with holes in the opposite side to get ice to fall out 22. (H)Same as second to last but divider parts can be heated 23. (B)Cylinder drip into bottom molds that you flip and pull out middle part 24. (H)Cylinder drip into bottom molds that you flip and pull out middle part- mold part silicon- drip plastic 25. (B)Fill tube with water and insert cube divider (4 pie shaped sections in stacked layers) and pull out- holes to allow drainage in the middle of each pie shape edge piece 26. (H)Same as last but with half circle sections instead of 4 pie shaped sections 27. (H)Fill tube with water and insert cube divider (4 pie shaped sections in stacked layers) and pull out with a tube in the middle that has holes to each compartment 28. (H)Fill tube with water and insert cube divider (4 pie shaped sections in stacked layers) and pull out with a tube in the middle that has straw-filling method 29. (H)Same as last but with half circle sections instead of 4 pie shaped sections 30. (H)Fill tube with water and insert cube divider (4 pie shaped sections in stacked layers) and pull out -water fills from the outside around the tube 31. (H)Same as last but with half circle sections instead of 4 pie shaped sections 32. (B)Same as tube with insert divider (25) but when you remove the divider, there is a hydraulic mechanism that kicks the ice cubes out 33. (H)Same as last with half circle sections instead of 4 pie shaped sections 34. (H)Hydraulic version except the sides hinge upwards to allow ice to be popped out 35. (H)Same as above except sides hinge downwards 36. (H)Same as 32 except instead of hydraulic, use springs 37. (H)Same as last with half circle sections instead of 4 pie shaped sections 38. (H)Same as 32 except instead of hydraulic, use air pressure 39. (H)same as last but with half circle sections instead of 4 pie shaped sections 40. (H)Same as 32 except mechanical pivot mechanism 41. (H)Same as last with half circle sections instead of 4 pie shaped sections 6

8 42. (H)Same as 25 except you can pull up each compartment alone 43. (H)Same as last except it has a notch/ratchet system that allows you to take out a certain number at a time 44. (B)Instead of ratchet system that you pull out, you have a clicking system that pushes ice cubes out one by one out of the bottom 45. (H)Same as above except with hand crank option 46. (B)Bisected cylinder with vertical slats enclosed by corkscrew 47. (B)Freeze cylinder of ice and break ice cube connections with the corkscrew 48. (H)Same as above but rotating top that allows you to pick a side to dump the ice out of 49. (H)Same as 47 but clam shell open 50. (B)Just a tube that makes one big ice cube-plastic 51. (H)Just a tube that makes one big ice cube- silicone 52. (H)Just a tube that makes one big ice cube- push out option 53. (H)Just a tube that makes one big ice cube- pull option 54. (B)Rubber column that you stretch to relieve pressure and release ice 55. (B)Slap chop for ice machine 56. (H)Inverted number 24 a cylinder with springs lining the outer edge with an inner cavity, a button releases the springs and pushes cubes into cavity- mold in plastic 57. (H)Same as last except hydraulic system- hydraulic press in center- mold in plastic 58. (H)Same as last except pivot system- mold in plastic 59. (H)Inverted number 24 a cylinder with springs lining the outer edge with an inner cavity, a button releases the springs and pushes cubes into cavity- mold in silicone 60. (H)Same as last except hydraulic system- hydraulic press in center- mold in silicone 61. (H)Same as last except pivot system- mold in silicone 62. (B)Mini tray puller- stackable trivial pursuit drawers with the stacked marshmallow drip mechanism 63. (H)Mini tray puller- stackable trivial pursuit drawers with the stacked marshmallow and straw method filling 64. (H)Same as last with half circle tube 65. (B)Cylinder with trivial pursuit type molds that you drop in the tube and pour 66. (B)Cylinder that makes ice straws- mini ice cylinders, remove with air pressure - silicone 67. (B)Ice straw maker, remove straws with piston mechanism- plastic 68. (H)Cylinder that makes ice straws- mini ice cylinders, remove with air pressure - plastic 69. (H)Ice straw maker, remove straws with piston mechanism - silicone 70. (B)Saw machine that you put in the freezer that freezes the ice internally and saws it into cubes; automated 71. (H)Saw machine that you put in the freezer that freezes the ice internally and saws it into cubesmanual 72. (B)Trivial pursuit tray that has a bowl underneath, you push the cubes out of the trivial pursuit and into bowl and then continue freezing- ice accumulates 73. (H)Similar to last except with multiple layers 74. (H)Trivial pursuit tray that has a bowl underneath, you push the cubes out of the trivial pursuit and into bowl and then continue freezing- ice accumulates, multiple layers and straw method filling 75. (B)Straight to glass- cylinder with compartments, actuator on top- freeze in freezer and place in glass- like last 76. (H)Same as straight to glass with different sizes 7

9 77. (B)Pushing and stacking trivial pursuit drawers- like straight to glass but with trivial pursuit 78. (H)Trivial pursuit tray that has a bowl underneath, you push the cubes out of the trivial pursuit and into bowl and then continue freezing- ice accumulates air pressure release 79. (H)Similar to last except with multiple layers air pressure release 80. (H)Trivial pursuit tray that has a bowl underneath, you push the cubes out of the trivial pursuit and into bowl and then continue freezing- ice accumulates air pressure release, multiple layers and straw method filling 81. (B)Straight to glass- cylinder with compartments, actuator on top- freeze in freezer and place in glass- similar to last air pressure release 82. (H)Same as straight to glass with different sizes air pressure release 83. (H)Pushing and stacking trivial pursuit drawers- like straight to glass but with trivial pursuit air pressure release 84. (H)Trivial pursuit stackers except the sides open down 85. (B)Concentric circle ice cube maker with ridges - plastic 86. (H)Concentric circle ice cube maker with ridges silicone 87. (B)Electrical auger style corkscrew 88. (H)Manual auger with bottom hole- releases one at a time 89. (B)Cylinder with tube that fills each compartment- remove by pulling out dividers and dumping out bottom 90. (H)Tube that has straws that fill each compartment- dividers twist out and ice cubes dump out bottom 91. Clam shell with no hinge click together 92. (B)Clam shell with no hinge click together, half cylinder, straw method filling 93. (H)Clam shell with no hinge click together half cylinder 94. (B)Stacking clickers- clam shell no hinge that stack 95. (H)Same as last except half cylinder size 96. (B)Circular ice cube trays that stack together- horizontally connect plastic mold part 97. (H)Circular ice cube trays that stack together- horizontally connect silicone mold part 98. (B)Ice cube tray tube- rotatable rings into upper tray- plastic 99. (H)Ice cube tray tube- rotatable rings into upper tray- silicone 100. (B)Ice cube tray made of silicone with a lid that is roll-able to create a cylinder 8

10 (9/17/28) Sketches: 9

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14 IV. Preliminary Designs (9/25/18) Design #1 This design is composed of four parts: 3 concentric, short, one-sided cylinders and a lid. The lid and the sides and ridges of the cylinder are composed of a hard plastic, while the bottom is composed of a flexible silicon. The silicon is to allow room for the water to expand as it freezes. It is sealed against each plastic ridge to prevent leakage and allow for easy removal of each ice cube. The shaded in regions, seen in the image on the right, are filled in with plastic. This is to provide a place for the user to put their fingers so that they can press the bottom of each ring against a hard surface, easily removing the ice cubes. The lid will be lined with silicon to prevent leaking when it is sealed against the plastic. The design of this product maximizes space by utilizing the outside of one cylinder as the inside wall of the cylinder surrounding it. This allows for many ice cubes to be made with minimal freezer space. Additionally, it can be stored vertically or horizontally because of the sealing lid. Its design allows for easy refilling- simply stack the cylinders, fill the spaces with water, snap on the lid, and carry the device to the freezer with no concern of spilling. It also allows for easy removal of the ice cubes without contorting the device or banging it against a counter. When the bottom of the device is pressed against a hard surface, the silicon bottom pushes up on the ice cubes, easily removing them from their compartments. There are a few potential shortcomings of this device. The first concern is that it may be too complicated to use with its four different, interlocking parts. Another concern is that the expansion of the water during freezing may be too strenuous for the silicon. This could mean that the longevity of the device is limited. 13

15 Design #2 This design incorporates a clam shell door mechanism. The door is closed, and water is poured through the hole on top to fill the container. This design incorporates a silicone lining, to allow for easy ice cube removal, with a hard-plastic shell. The silicone lining is removable so that the user can pop the ice cubes out of the lining. Alternatively, if the lining is not removable, the back of the hard plastic shell will have small window cut-outs that expose the silicone layer and allow the ice cubes to be pushed out. The design also incorporates a second hard plastic piece that is used to sever the small connection created between the cubes formed in the drainage holes of the shelves when the water freezes. The hard plastic slicing piece would fit on the door of the shell and would rotate into the space between the ice cube and its shelf, severing the small connection. The plastic and silicone used should be relatively cheap, keeping the price under $20. There would also be plastic ridges on the back of the shell on either side of the window cutouts that would allow the device to be placed on its back without rolling. The greatest downfall of this design is its potential for leaking. Creating a tight enough seal between the door and the other side of the shell will be difficult and require a tight fastening latch. The silicon will also help to create the seal, however, the problem of leakage without a strong seal is still an important aspect to be considered. This design also does not create many ice cubes at once, so the user would have to continually make ice cubes and collect them in another container or have multiple devices in use at once. 14

16 Design #3 This design utilizes a traditional ice tray design made of silicon or a similar material that allows for bending to create a cylindrical shape that can fit into a cylindrical can. This will be easier for the user to use, creates a greater number of ice cubes than a traditional ice tray, reduces spilling, and will take less space in the freezer. Additionally, the flexibility of the tray itself allows for easier removal of the ice. The user will first fill the flexible ice tray just as any traditional ice tray. Then, a cap of the same material will be placed on top of the tray, so that the water won t spill. This tray/cap device will then be rolled up into a cylindrical shape and placed in a plastic cylindrical can. After cubes are frozen, the tray may be removed, and the cube holes inverted to allow for easy removal. Possible shortcomings for this design are the possibility that the flexible material may not be suitable for a freezer, the tray cap may not hold the water in the tray, and that removal may be difficult. 15

17 Design #4 Each clear, cylindrical compartment produces one larger sized ice cube that is removed individually. To use this product, all compartments must start in the vertical, locked position. After ensuring each compartment is secured, accomplished using the side latches, water is poured into the top most compartment. A hole in the bottom of this compartment, as well as each other layer, allows water to drain down into each below compartment. It is important to note that the bottom-most compartment has a solid base to hold water in. Once each compartment has been filled, snap on the spill-proof lid, and begin freezing. Once the water is completely frozen, visually verified by looking into the clear sides of the compartment, the ice cubes are ready to be taken out. Release the latch between two cylinders to open the compartment, breaking the small ice connection between the layers, then remove the ice from the top of the cylinder. Utilizing several cylindrical tubes, all attached vertically, this design places an emphasis on space conservation within the freezer. Due to its relatively simplistic design, this product will be able to be produced well under the targeted $20 mark. With a small bit of verbiage describing the product, it will be able to be used by anyone. Because of its spill-proof lid, the product will be leak proof. Shortcomings of this design include its limited ice cube production capacity, potential for expansion related damage, and the possibility for spills if a consumer prematurely opens one of the compartments. We are currently looking into materials that will provide structural rigidity as well as some room for expansion due to the freezing of water. 16

18 Design #5 17

19 This design is composed of four parts: a tube container, internal divider, central tube, and lid. To make ice, the user simply inserts the divider into the large tube and fills the tube with water using the central opening in the divider. After the tube is filled completely or to the desired volume, the central tube is inserted and snapped into the internal divider. The lid is then snapped on and the water is poured from the central tube which has isolated each compartment. Then the tube is placed in the freezer in any orientation and allowed to freeze. This design will allow users to create ice in a vertical manner and ditch the typical tray design. It won t require breaking ice as each of the compartment will be fully isolated. Based on the materials we decide to use, we believe that it will be able to be produced for $20 or less, but that must be verified. The tight sealing lid will make it completely leak proof. It will also be easy to use once the user learns how to use it for the first time. There are a couple possible shortcomings of this design. One is the fact that it is not intuitive to use and may require directions for initial use. Another possible issue is the effects of water expanding within the isolated compartments, possibly causing leaking or damage. We are committed to doing more research on this issue, but currently believe that this issue can be largely mitigated by the selection of proper materials. V. Request for Feedback We are requesting feedback and advice in the following areas: Recommendation on which design is best. Suggestions for best materials to use. Critical review of our preliminary designs including any suggested modifications. Opinion on what is most important, volume of ice produced or ease of access to individual cubes, and what could be done differently to more easily balance them. VI. Post Peer Review Revisions We did not make any changes after receiving the results of the peer review. Both reviewers said that design #5 was the best solution. Therefore, we chose to go with design #5 and forgo revision of the flaws in other designs because we knew we would not be using them. VII. Down-Select Process As a group, we have decided to pursue our preliminary design #5. This decision was reached through the process of evaluating each design on a number of criteria. These categories included possibility of leaking, ease of use, manufacturing cost, and difficulty in producing. Following this process, we determined that design #5 scored well in each category and would meet all of the user requirements. 18

20 VIII. Initial Prototype Included below are several images of our original prototype. The red plastic piece represents the ice cube divider and the PVC tubing is representative of the outer cylinder. 19

21 IX. Final Design We decided that our prototype would best meet the original need and design requirements for our design. Its cylindrical shape will take up less space in freezers than current ice tray designs, because it can be placed either horizontally or vertically. Its materials are also freezer safe. It is far harder to spill than current ice tray designs because of its lid and self-contained design, and remains generally easy to use, consisting of only three steps to freeze the ice (fill with water, apply lid, and put unit in freezer), and three steps to remove ice (remove cap, remove ice cube divider, and remove ice cubes). In addition to being freezer safe, the materials are waterproof. The cost to produce is very low, so the overall price of the product will not come close to surpassing $20. Finally, the plastic materials used are safe for any drinkable liquids, being that the plastic used in the design is no different than the plastic used in current ice cube tray designs. Pictures of our final design are given above, in the Initial Prototype section. 20