Food Refiner with Programmable Spring Rollers for Small-Scale Emulsion Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refiners for processing cocoa beans, peanuts, and hazelnuts are either too complex and large for small-to-medium production or prone to food contamination due to mechanical wear, making them unsuitable for small-scale industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A simplified refiner design featuring a cylindrical container with rotating rollers operated by programmable spring force, allowing for efficient crushing of food seeds into spreadable creams or emulsions without the need for large machinery, while minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional refiners with notched discs or metal balls are used, then food grain can be crushed effectively, but the device becomes too complex and large for small-to-medium production
Solution Approach 1:
The refiner is divided into three independent working chambers (first, second, and third chambers) that can operate sequentially or independently. Each chamber contains simplified crushing elements (rollers or plates) rather than complex multi-component systems, allowing the overall device to process food grain effectively while maintaining simplicity and compactness suitable for small-to-medium production scales.
2Productivity
If metal balls are used in refiners, then food grain can be broken up effectively, but mechanical wear causes food contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces durable but contaminating metal balls with disposable or easily replaceable crushing elements made of food-safe materials. The rollers and crushing plates in each chamber can be removed and replaced when worn, preventing metal contamination while maintaining effective food grain breakdown. This approach prioritizes food safety over long-term durability of individual components.
3Productivity
If large production machinery is used, then food emulsion can be produced efficiently, but the device is not suitable for small-to-medium quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The refiner incorporates adjustable parameters including variable rotation speeds for rollers and plates, adjustable spring pressure forces, and configurable chamber operation modes (sequential or simultaneous). These dynamic adjustments allow the same device to efficiently process small-to-medium quantities of food grain and produce appropriate emulsion consistency, making it adaptable to different production scales without requiring large industrial machinery.
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 refiner effectively produces high-quality spreadable creams and emulsions for small-to-medium quantities, offering ease of maintenance, reduced contamination risks, and temperature control for optimal results, making it suitable for non-industrial scale production.
Implementation Method 1
groups of rotating rollers operating by friction, according to a programmable force from one or more spring push elements
Implementation Method 2
programmable force from one or more spring push elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device, result of the present Invention, is made up of a machine body which implements a cylindrical container, horizontally fixed. On the inner surface of the cylindrical container, groups of rotating rollers operate by friction, according to a programmable force from one or more spring push elements, which are integral with the rotation transmitted by a central rotating shaft connected to one or more mechanical joining segments between the roller assemblies and the aforementioned central rotating shaft.