Device for extracting juice and pulp from fruit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fruit juice and pulp extraction devices require reorientation of components to switch between juice and pulp processing modes, limiting user flexibility and potentially excluding certain genders from operation.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotatable sieve mounted on a drive bush via a freewheel bearing, equipped with a brake that inhibits rotation in one direction and enables it in the opposite direction, allowing selective processing of fruit into juice or pulp without reassembly, using the electric motor's rotational direction to determine operation mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses a fixed mounting configuration for the sieve and cone, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to process different types of fruit (juice vs. pulp) is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing mode selectionVSAvoiddevice configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sieve's rotational state dynamic rather than fixed. The sieve can transition between stationary and rotating states based on the drive shaft's rotation direction. This dynamic configuration allows the same device structure to support multiple processing modes (juice extraction with stationary sieve, pulp extraction with rotating sieve) without physical reassembly, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device requires remounting components to switch between juice and pulp processing, then the processing functionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing mode switchingVSAvoiddevice reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies the self-service principle through the freewheel bearing mechanism that automatically responds to the drive shaft's rotation direction. When the drive shaft rotates in the first direction, the freewheel bearing locks and the sieve remains stationary for juice processing. When the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction, the freewheel bearing releases and allows the sieve to rotate for pulp processing. This automatic response eliminates the need for manual remounting or reconfiguration by the user, improving ease of operation while maintaining processing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the sieve is always driven by the driveshaft, then the productivity for pulp processing is improved, but the ability to produce clear juice deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulp processing efficiencyVSAvoidjuice processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sieve's rotational state dynamic rather than fixed. The sieve can transition between stationary and rotating states based on the drive shaft's rotation direction. This dynamic configuration allows the same device structure to support multiple processing modes (juice extraction with stationary sieve, pulp extraction with rotating sieve) without physical reassembly, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the operational parameters (rotation direction of the drive shaft) to control the processing mode. By reversing the rotation direction of the drive shaft, the system transitions between juice processing mode (sieve stationary) and pulp processing mode (sieve rotating). This parameter-based control allows the device to optimize productivity for different processing types without requiring structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the device uses a permanent mechanical connection between driveshaft and sieve, then the reliability of power transmission is improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidcomponent maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the power transmission system into distinct functional segments: the drive shaft, the freewheel bearing, and the sieve. This segmentation allows the freewheel bearing to act as a independent maintenanceable component that facilitates bidirectional operation. The modular design enables easier repair and maintenance compared to a permanent mechanical connection, as the freewheel bearing can be independently serviced or replaced without affecting the entire power transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables users to selectively process fruit into clear juice or smoothie without reconfiguring the device, enhancing user accessibility and flexibility, including operation by individuals of any gender.

Implementation Method 1

The rotatable sieve is mounted on a drive bush which via a freewheel bearing is provided on the driveshaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreewheel bearing: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

A preferable and cost-effective way to embody the device such that the sieve will stand still when the driveshaft rotates in the first direction and will rotate when the driveshaft rotates in the second direction that is opposite to the first direction, is to embody the brake as a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3945951B1Device for extracting juice and pulp from fruit
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 BRAVILOR BONAMAT
  • EP3945951B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3945951B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Device (1) for extracting juice and pulp from fruit, comprising a base with an electric motor (11) and a rotatable cone (3) and a rotatable sieve (10), which cone (3) and sieve (10) are drivable by the electric motor (11), and wherein the motor (11) connects to a driveshaft (4) for driving the rotatable cone (3) and rotatable sieve (10), wherein the rotatable cone (3) has a rotationally fixed connection to the driveshaft (4), wherein the rotatable sieve (10) is mounted on a drive bush (12) which is via a freewheel bearing (13) provided on the driveshaft (4), and the rotatable sieve (10) is further provided with a brake for inhibiting rotation in a first direction and enabling rotation in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.