Adjustable Dual-Layer Sieve for Uniform Food Particle Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing sieves lack the ability to easily control the size of food pieces passing through, as the size of the openings cannot be effectively adjusted to achieve uniform particle sizes.
Innovation Solution
A food processing apparatus with a separation basket comprising two bowl-shaped members that are rotatably coupled via a snap-fit connection, allowing the aligned openings to maintain a constant aspect ratio and size, enabling precise control over the passage of food pieces by varying the degree of overlap between the members' holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple sieve with fixed slits is used, then the structure is simple, but the opening size cannot be adjusted to control food piece size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sieve structure adjustable through relative rotation between two bowl-shaped members. The opening size is dynamically changed by rotating one member relative to the other, allowing the user to adjust the degree of overlap between holes to control food piece size. This transforms a static sieve into a dynamic system where the aperture can be varied without changing the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sieve into two separate bowl-shaped members, each with its own pattern of holes. By dividing the single sieve structure into two rotatable components, the invention enables independent adjustment of the relative positioning of holes, thereby controlling the effective opening size. This segmentation allows for adaptability while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sieve has fixed openings, then the structure is simple, but uniform particle size cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation mechanism allows precise control of the opening size by adjusting the degree of overlap between holes in the two bowl-shaped members. This enables the user to achieve uniform particle size by selecting the appropriate rotational position, while the operation remains simple through the intuitive rotation action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric hole patterns in the two bowl-shaped members, where the holes are positioned at different angular locations. When the members are rotated relative to each other, the asymmetric patterns create controlled overlapping regions that define precise opening sizes. This asymmetry enables fine-tuned control over the effective aperture while maintaining geometric similarity in the overall bowl shapes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed sieves with different hole sizes are used, then various particle sizes can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sieve system where a single adjustable device can produce multiple particle sizes. By rotating one bowl-shaped member relative to the other, the same physical structure can generate different effective opening sizes, eliminating the need for multiple separate sieves. This multi-functionality is achieved through the rotatable joint that allows continuous adjustment of the hole overlap degree.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows one sieve structure to perform the function of multiple fixed sieves. By changing the rotational position, the user can access different opening sizes from the same component assembly, thereby achieving versatility without increasing the number of physical sieve components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a food processing apparatus (2) comprising: a container (4) having an interior; a sieve disposed within the interior of the container (4) and dividing the interior into a processing volume (14) and a collection volume (16); and a processing member (8) for processing food disposed within the processing volume. The sieve (7) comprises: a first separation member (10) comprising a set of first holes (32); and a second separation member (12) adjacent the first separation member and comprising a set of second holes (33) which are arranged such that they overlap the set of first holes to form a plurality of aligned openings (35) which pass through the first and second separation members (10, 12) for allowing food to pass from the processing volume (14) into the collection volume (16). The first and second separation members (10, 12) are movable relative to one other between a first position and a second position so as to vary the degree of overlap of the sets of first and second holes and to adjust the cross-sectional area of the aligned openings (35). Each aligned opening (35) is formed by two sides (82, 88) of one of the first holes (32) and either: one side of one of the second holes so as to define a triangular cross-sectional shape, or two sides (82', 88') of one of the second holes (33) so as to define a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape. In the second position, each aligned opening (35) is defined by portions of each of said sides (82, 88; 82', 88') of the first and second holes (32, 33) which are shorter than in the first position such that the aligned openings (35) have a smaller cross-sectional area when in the second position than the first position.