Citrus Peeling Device Using Pneumatic Fixation to Prevent Pulp Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pomelo peeling devices face challenges in efficiently peeling citrus fruits without damaging the pulp, as they either apply insufficient tightening force, result in relative rotation affecting peeling quality, or risk damaging the pulp during the peeling process.
Innovation Solution
An automatic peeling and splitting device featuring a pomelo fixing module with a cylinder, air sac, and arc baffles to firmly secure the pomelo, combined with a peeling module using blades to peel the skin and spongy layers separately, and a horizontal moving module for high-speed rotation and pulp separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a bolt is used to fix the pomelo, then sufficient tightening force is provided, but high-speed rotation cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic expansion bag instead of a mechanical bolt to secure the pomelo. The expansion bag inflates to provide uniform tightening force across the pomelo surface, eliminating the need for high-speed rotation during peeling while maintaining sufficient fixation strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rotation table with positioning pin is used, then the pomelo is positioned in radial direction, but relative rotation among pomelo, positioning pin, and rotation table affects peeling quality
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion bag provides uniform radial positioning force without creating relative rotation. By distributing the positioning force evenly across the pomelo surface through inflation, it eliminates the relative motion between the positioning mechanism and the fruit that occurs with rigid positioning pins on rotating tables.
3Force
If thimbles are inserted into the pomelo body, then relative rotation is avoided and fastening effect is strong, but the pulp may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion bag applies distributed pressure through inflation rather than concentrated mechanical insertion. This pneumatic approach provides strong fastening effect while avoiding penetration into the pomelo body, thus preventing pulp damage that occurs with thimble insertion.
4Ease of operation
If manual peeling is used, then the pomelo can be peeled, but it is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables automatic peeling where the expansion bag automatically secures the pomelo and the blade system automatically performs the peeling operation. The system serves itself by maintaining continuous contact and pressure during the peeling process, eliminating the need for manual intervention while achieving high peeling efficiency.
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 device effectively fastens, cuts, and separates the pomelo without damaging the pulp, improving peeling quality and efficiency while allowing for high-speed rotation and efficient pulp separation.
Implementation Method 1
an end of the rotation shaft is sleeved with an air sac... the air sac is inflated, part of an outer surface of the air sac closely contacts with pulp of the pomelo
Implementation Method 2
the blade module comprises a lifting unit, a cross rod arranged on the lifting unit, a blade arranged on the cross rod... the edge of the blade is located in an outline of a horizontal projection of the pomelo body
Implementation Method 3
the rotation shaft is configured to rotate the pomelo... allowing for high-speed rotation and efficient pulp separation
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic peeling and splitting device for citrus fruits includes a bracket, a pomelo fixing module, and a pomelo peeling module arranged on the bracket. The pomelo fixing module includes a cylinder arranged on an upper part of the bracket, a fixed block arranged on a power output end of the cylinder, and a motor arranged on the fixed block, the power output end of the motor is connected with a rotation shaft, an end of the rotation shaft is sleeved with an air sac, and the end of the rotation shaft is further hinged with a plurality of arc baffles, a concave member of the arc baffle is bonded to a surface of the air sac, an outer convex edge of the arc baffle faces outside of the air sac; the rotation shaft and the power output end of the cylinder are both extended vertically downward.