Drupe Pitting Knife with Fluid Ejection Bore
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for pitting drupes, such as cherries and olives, lack adjustable features, fail to process overripe fruits, often leave pits inside, remove fruit flesh along with pits, and can stick fruits to support members during the pitting process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable support member and knife assembly that includes a fluid injection system, allowing the knife to pass through the drupe and eject pits, utilizing a pneumatic or mechanical actuator to position the knife and support member for efficient pitting, with a conveyor system for continuous processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a knife is used to remove pits from drupes, then pitting efficiency is improved, but fruit flesh is removed along with the pit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid injection system where a jet of fluid (typically water or air) is introduced through the knife or alongside the cutting path. This fluid jet creates a hydraulic or pneumatic force that propels the pit out of the drupe through the opening, separating the ejection function from the cutting function and minimizing flesh removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitting process is segmented into distinct functions: the knife performs only the cutting/severing action to detach the pit, while a separate fluid injection system performs the ejection action. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing unnecessary flesh removal.
2Extent of automation
If traditional pitting devices are used, then processing can be automated, but overripe fruits cannot be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including knife position, opening size and shape, and fluid injection pressure. These dynamic adjustments allow the system to adapt to varying fruit conditions, including overripe fruits that may have softer or more variable textures, maintaining automated processing capability across different fruit quality levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of critical parameters such as the size and configuration of the opening in the support member, the injection pressure and flow rate of the fluid, and the knife positioning. These parameter changes enable the device to handle a broader range of fruit conditions, including overripe fruits.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support members are used to hold drupes, then processing stability is improved, but fruits may stick to support members
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid injection system serves a dual function: it propels the pit out of the drupe and simultaneously acts as a lubricant or release agent between the fruit and the support member opening. This hydraulic/pneumatic action reduces friction and prevents sticking, allowing smooth ejection of both the pit and the processed fruit.
4Device complexity
If fixed pitting devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustable features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates several adjustable elements: the knife position can be modified, the opening in the support member can be adjusted in size and configuration, and the fluid injection parameters (pressure, flow rate) can be changed. These dynamic features provide versatility without requiring an overly complex mechanism, maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 solution enables efficient pitting of drupes with minimal flesh removal, effective ejection of pits, and reduced sticking, improving processing efficiency and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a fluid through a tip of the knife to eject a pit or residues out of the drupe
Data Source
AI summary
A device for pitting drupes, the device comprising at least one support member to receive a drupe, the at least one support member having at least one opening; and at least one knife for pitting the drupe, the at least one knife defining an internal bore for permitting a fluid to pass through the tip of the knife and favoring ejection of a pitted element from the drupe; the at least one knife and the at least one support member being movable with respect to one another.