Bean Peeling Device with Abrasive Disc and Integrated Hull Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods and devices for peeling beans are laborious, time-consuming, and not suitable for domestic or home use due to their bulky nature, leading to inefficiencies in processing time, water usage, and bean wastage.

Innovation Solution

A compact device with a driving motor and a bowl that abrasively impacts beans in water with a rough disc, using a barrier to retain beans and allow hulls to pass to a separate compartment, where a special filter collects the hulls, enabling simultaneous peeling and separation without soaking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual peeling by rubbing soaked beans between palms is used, then peeling can be performed, but the process is time consuming and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeeling easeVSAvoidpeeling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical rubbing between palms with an automated mechanical system consisting of a rotating drum with abrasive surface and a feed mechanism. The drum rotates to abrasive the bean surface while the feed mechanism continuously supplies beans, automating the peeling process and eliminating manual labor while reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and surface properties of beans through controlled abrasive impact. By adjusting drum rotation speed, abrasive grain size, and impact force, the peeling process is optimized to remove hulls efficiently while maintaining bean integrity, thereby reducing both labor and time requirements compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If blending devices are used for peeling beans, then peeling can be attempted, but beans are risk of being blended and multiple decanting is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeeling efficiencyVSAvoidbean wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies localized abrasive action only on the bean surface through a rotating drum with controlled contact. The abrasive surface is confined to a specific region where beans are gently impacted, ensuring hull removal without affecting the inner bean structure. This localized treatment prevents over-processing and bean damage that occurs with blending devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes only the hull portion of the bean through controlled abrasive impact, leaving the edible bean intact. The separation mechanism selectively removes the outer layer while preserving the inner bean, eliminating the need for multiple decanting operations and preventing bean wastage associated with blending methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If known peeling devices are used, then peeling can be performed, but the devices are bulky and not suitable for domestic use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeeling capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the rotating drum is positioned within a compact housing, and the feed mechanism is integrated into the same space. The separation chamber is arranged concentrically around the drum, and the collection receptacle nests within the overall device structure. This nesting arrangement achieves functional capability while minimizing device volume for domestic use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact device: the rotating drum performs both peeling and initial separation, the housing provides structural support and collection, and the integrated mechanism handles feeding, processing, and output. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining peeling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution significantly reduces labor and time required for peeling beans, minimizes water usage, and provides a compact device for efficient bean peeling and hull separation in both domestic and industrial settings.

Implementation Method 1

the beans in water is abrasively impacted with a rough disc in restricted compartment within the bowl so as to generate a mixture containing hulls and peeled beans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3364779B1Device and method for peeling beans
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 ALUKO OLANREWAJU
  • EP3364779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3364779B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3364779B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a device and method for peeling beans and separating the hulls from the peeled beans. The device for peeling beans comprising a rough disc (3) in a bowl (2), driven by an electric motor (1), to abrasively impact beans in water. A barrier ring (4) enables separation of the hulls from the beans and a special filter (5) gathers the hulls out of the mixture.