vertical ice cube tray - university of pittsburghdcs98/index.html/pdf/cubetube.pdf · • all...

VERTICAL ICE CUBE TRAY The Tube Cubers

It’s ice cubes from a tube. It’s revolutionary.

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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 ..................................................................................................................... 13

V. Request for Feedback .................................................................................................................. 18

VI. Peer Post Review Revisions ......................................................................................................... 18

VII. Down-Select Process .................................................................................................................... 18

VIII. Initial Prototype ........................................................................................................................... 19

IX. Final Design .................................................................................................................................. 20

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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: Behaviors to avoid:

-use group email or text message to communicate

about group meetings and projects.

-timely communication

-not communicating or not communicating in a

timely manner.

-last minute communications

III. Regarding team meetings


- to stay on task and focus on the project

- working together to come up with ideas

- constructive criticism

- 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?)


- 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.

- not completing tasks

- finishing work late

- refusing to do work

- unprofessional submissions

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V. Regarding decisions

(What will your decision-making process be?)


-a group decision making process where each

member has a voice.

-taking votes where majority rules to make

decisions.

-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?)


-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.

-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?)


-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.

-lashing out at team members.

-not warning team members

-not responding accordingly to a warning by the

rest of the group

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I, (____Team member 1____), agree to the terms specified in this contract.



I, (___ Team member 4____), agree to the terms specified in this contract.


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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

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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


out with a tube in the middle that has “straw-filling” method



out -water fills from the outside around the tube


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


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


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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 cubes-

manual

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

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77. (B)Pushing and stacking trivial pursuit drawers- like straight to glass but with 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


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

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(9/17/28)

Sketches:

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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.

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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 cut-

outs 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.

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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.

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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.

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Design #5

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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.

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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.

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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.

vertical ice cube tray - university of pittsburghdcs98/index.html/pdf/cubetube.pdf · • all...

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