Multi-Functional Food Processing Machine with Modular Toolheads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bean snipping systems are dedicated and lack modularity, failing to effectively separate undesirable refuse from desirable beans and perform additional ingredient processing tasks, such as washing and drying, while also being limited to specific ingredients.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional food processing machine with a tumbler drum and cutting element that facilitates bean snipping, includes interchangeable toolheads for washing and drying, and features a sift style toolhead with a vibrator for breading, allowing processing of various ingredients and serving as a sauce tumbler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional dedicated bean snipping system is used, then bean end removal is effective, but the system lacks modularity and cannot perform additional processing tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional food processing machine where a single device performs multiple operations including bean snipping, washing, drying, and breading. The drum structure serves as a universal processing chamber that can accommodate different toolheads and processing modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the processing system into modular components including interchangeable toolheads (snipping toolhead, washing toolhead, drying toolhead, breading toolhead) that can be attached to a common drum structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility through modular assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bean snipping is used, then stem and blossom ends are removed, but undesirable refuse (stalks, leaves, malformed beans) is not separated from the beans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation and processing functions into a single integrated drum system. The drum simultaneously performs tumbling motion for mixing, provides centrifugal force for separation, and accommodates various toolheads for different processing tasks, thereby improving both separation capability and processing efficiency in one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs vibratory motion of the drum to enhance the separation of undesirable refuse from beans. The vibration facilitates better mixing and separation of materials with different densities and sizes, improving the effectiveness of refuse removal while maintaining processing speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated bean processing equipment is used, then bean processing is effective, but additional ingredient processing tasks cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the drum can operate in different modes (rotating for washing, spinning for drying, vibrating for breading) and can accommodate different toolheads based on processing requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows a single piece of equipment to handle various ingredients and processing tasks without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system.
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 efficient separation of refuse from beans, thorough washing, and effective drying and breading of ingredients, making it suitable for a range of food preparation tasks beyond just bean processing.
Implementation Method 1
The tumbler drum is rotatably connected to the tumbler track. The motor is torsionally engaged to the tumbler roller.
Implementation Method 2
the present invention facilitates a tumble-drying means of centrifuging any excess water from the processed ingredients
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional food processing machine suitable for processing green beans or any other suitable ingredient is presented. The multi-functional food processing machine contains a tumbler chassis, a tumbler drum, a motor, and a cutting element. The tumbler chassis contains an inlet hopper, and an outlet spout. The tumbler drum contains a plurality of gaps and a plurality of tumbler fins. The motor is torsionally engaged to the tumbler drum. The plurality of gaps is peripherally distributed about the tumbler drum. The plurality of tumbler fins is peripherally connected within the tumbler drum. The inlet hopper traverses into the tumbler drum. The outlet spout traverses from the tumbler drum to the tumbler chassis, opposite to the inlet hopper. The cutting element is operatively engaged to the tumbler drum, where the cutting element is configured to cut bean tips that passes through the plurality of gaps.