Gear-Shaped Roller Mechanism for Pistachio Hull Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing produce coverings, such as pistachio hulls, are inefficient and do not effectively address the need for complete hull removal, which affects the drying, preservation, and aesthetic appeal of the produce.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a structure with multiple rollers, each equipped with gear-shaped structures that turn in the same direction to contact and remove the covering from produce, ensuring efficient hull stripping and ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods are used for removing produce coverings, then the process is simple, but the hull removal is incomplete and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehull removal efficiencyVSAvoidhull removal completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The roller surface is segmented into multiple gear-shaped structures with teeth that individually contact and strip hulls from different portions of the produce. This segmentation allows simultaneous engagement of multiple hull removal points, improving both efficiency and completeness of hull removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional single-direction or opposing-direction roller motion to synchronized same-direction rotation of multiple rollers. This dimensional change in motion pattern creates a tumbling effect that exposes all surfaces of the produce to gear teeth, ensuring complete hull removal while maintaining high processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If produce is processed to remove coverings, then the appearance and preservation are improved, but the produce may become stuck in the processing mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduce processing reliabilityVSAvoidproduce flow through mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic same-direction rotation of multiple rollers that creates continuous tumbling motion of the produce. This dynamic approach prevents produce from becoming stuck by constantly changing contact points and maintaining smooth flow through the processing mechanism while ensuring thorough hull removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gear-shaped structures act as intermediaries between the rollers and the produce, with their toothed surfaces providing controlled contact points that strip hulls without causing the produce to jam. The gear geometry mediates the interaction to maintain reliable flow while achieving complete hull removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple rollers with gear structures are used, then hull removal is complete and efficient, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehull removal efficiencyVSAvoidroller structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each roller is designed with gear-shaped structures that serve multiple functions: they provide the mechanical force for hull stripping, create tumbling motion through synchronized rotation, and maintain produce flow through the mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing device complexity while achieving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes parameters such as gear tooth geometry, roller spacing, and rotation speed to achieve complete hull removal with a manageable number of rollers. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains high efficiency without excessive device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively removes produce coverings, enhancing the drying and preservation processes while improving the appearance of the produce by ensuring complete hull removal, reducing maintenance and water usage, and preventing produce from becoming stuck.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second gear shaped structures are configured to contact the produce and remove the covering from the produce when the first roller and the second roller are turned

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

gear shaped structures that contact and remove the covering from produce, ensuring efficient hull stripping and ejection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240358056A1Systems and Methods for Removing a Covering From An Item of Produce

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 ATLAS PACIFIC ENG

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for removing a covering from produce. An example system includes a structure for supporting a plurality of rollers, the structure being configured to turn a first roller and a second roller. The first roller comprises a first plurality of gear shaped structures, and the second roller comprises a second plurality of gear shaped structures. The first and second gear shaped structures are configured to contact the produce and remove the covering from the produce when the first roller and the second roller are turned.