Fruit Processing Device Splitting Pitting and Pulp Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing avocados and similar fruits are manual and time-consuming, or use drum/roller squeeze systems that are not suitable for retaining solids content, and existing machines are not cost-effective for large-scale processing or adaptable to various fruit sizes and pit sizes.
Innovation Solution
An automated system with flexible holding cups, a splitting device, a plunger for pit ejection, and a fruit pulp removal screen that can process fruits of varying sizes with minimal pulp loss and damage, using a carousel-based mechanism to efficiently split, pit, and extract pulp from the husk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual processing is used to retain intact pulp, then pulp integrity is maintained, but processing time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system segments the fruit handling into distinct phases: holding cups cradle individual fruits, splitting devices divide fruits along predetermined lines, plungers remove pits, and screen presses extract pulp. This segmentation allows automated high-speed processing while maintaining pulp integrity through controlled, gentle handling at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible holding cups serve as intermediaries between the fruit and processing mechanisms. These cups cradle fruits during transport and processing, providing gentle support that prevents damage while enabling automated manipulation. The cups mediate between the need for automated handling and the requirement for pulp integrity.
2Productivity
If drum or roller squeeze systems are used to process fruit, then processing is automated, but solids content deteriorates and pulp is converted to paste or puree
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the pit from the fruit using a plunger before pulp extraction, and then uses a screen press to separate pulp from husk through controlled pressure. This extraction approach allows automated processing while preserving solids content, as the pulp is removed in solid chunks rather than being squeezed into paste or puree.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen press applies controlled pressure parameters to extract pulp from the husk without over-compressing the pulp into paste. By adjusting the pressure parameters of the screen press, the system maintains solids content while achieving automated separation of pulp from husk.
3Productivity
If existing automated machines are used for large-scale processing, then processing speed increases, but adaptability to various fruit sizes and pit sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding cups are designed to be flexible and adaptable, dynamically adjusting to accommodate fruits of various sizes and shapes. The cups can cradle different fruit dimensions while maintaining proper positioning for splitting and pitting. This dynamic adaptability allows the automated system to handle diverse fruit varieties without requiring component changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple fruit types and sizes. The holding cups, splitting devices, and plungers are configured to work with various fruit dimensions, making the system versatile for large-scale processing of different fruit varieties without requiring reconfiguration.
4Ease of operation
If semiautomatic peeling machines are used, then some automation is achieved, but processing speed remains too slow for cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by cradling fruits in holding cups and positioning them precisely before splitting occurs. This preliminary positioning enables subsequent automated operations (splitting, pitting, pulp extraction) to proceed at high speed without manual intervention, making the entire process cost-effective for large-scale processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple operations (holding, splitting, pitting, pulp extraction) into a single integrated automated flow. By combining these functions in sequence within the same processing line, the system achieves high-speed automated processing that is cost-effective for large-scale operations, eliminating the need for separate semiautomatic peeling steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A fruit processing apparatus 8 includes a chute 10 through which fruit 12 travel form a supply source and into one of a series of holding cups 14 positioned around the perimeter of a first rotating indexing delivery carousel 16. A second rotating indexing delivery carousel 18 is located side by side the first delivery carousel 16 and also includes a series of cups 14 positioned around its perimeter. Two corresponding holding cups 14 from the rotating delivery carousels 16 and 18 close towards each other to cooperatively form a cavity to retain the fruit 10 therein. A small separation remains between the two cups 14 through which passes a splitting device 20 for splitting the fruit in two sections or halves 12A, with one section/half remaining within each of the two cups 14. A pitter 24 in the form of a plunger projects forwardly through the fruit husk and against the fruit pit to eject the pit from the fruit. A rotating indexing removal carousel 30 is positioned adjacent each of the delivery carousels 16 and 18. A series of radially outwardly projecting removal screens 32 are positioned around the perimeters of the removal carousels 30. The removal screens 32 are configured to press into the fruit halves 12A disposed in the holding cups 14 to force the fruit pulp out through the screen openings 34, thereby to extract the fruit pulp from the husk 36 in the form of cubes 38 or other desirable shapes.