Grape Destemmer With Deflector For Simultaneous Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processing installations for fruits harvested in bunches, such as grapes, require multiple handling operations for destemming and sorting, which are time-consuming and complex, especially when sorting by maturity, often relying on densimetric or optical methods that increase product handling.
Innovation Solution
An installation with a destemmer and a sorting device featuring movable sorting surfaces, a deflector, and a separator, allowing for simultaneous destemming and sorting by size and maturity, reducing the number of handling operations through guided surfaces and separate outlets for ripe and unripe berries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple handling operations are performed for destemming and sorting, then sorting precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operations (destemming, sorting by size, and sorting by maturity) into a single integrated installation. The destemmer includes two outlets for separating berries at different stages, and sorting surfaces positioned to receive berries from both outlets simultaneously, enabling concurrent sorting operations without multiple handling steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation is segmented into functional zones: a destemmer with first and second outlets for different berry types, first and second sorting surfaces for size-based separation, and guide surfaces for directing berries. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different berry categories within a single continuous flow.
2Measurement precision
If densimetric or optical sorting methods are used for maturity sorting, then sorting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation uses the natural physical property of berries (maturity-related density differences) to perform self-sorting. Riper berries, being less dense, naturally float or move differently on the sorting surfaces compared to unripe berries, eliminating the need for complex external sensing or measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical or densimetric sorting systems with a simpler mechanical sorting approach using gravity and buoyancy forces on sorting surfaces. The guide surfaces and sorting surfaces mechanically direct berries based on their natural physical characteristics without requiring sophisticated detection equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple handling operations are performed, then sorting precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation maintains continuous product flow through the entire processing sequence. Berries move continuously from the destemmer through both sorting surfaces without interruption or reversal, and the movable sorting surfaces operate continuously to sort berries as they pass, eliminating idle time between operations.
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
This solution enables efficient sorting and destemming with reduced handling, allowing for precise separation of fruits by maturity and size without the need for complex densimetric or optical sorting methods, thereby saving time and simplifying the processing workflow.
Implementation Method 1
the guide surfaces of the part of the deflector arranged between the destemming element and the sorting device form between them at least one open dihedron in the direction of the sorting device, this dihedron delimiting from its apex two inclined planes with a downward slope
Data Source
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AI summary
A cluster fruit processing installation (1) comprising at least one destemmer (2) and a sorting device (3), said destemmer (2) comprising at least one inlet (4), a first outlet (5), a second outlet (6) disposed between the inlet (4) and the first outlet (5), at least one destemmer element (7) extending between the inlet (4) and the first outlet (5) of said destemmer (2), and a drive system (8) for moving said at least one destemmer element (7). The sorting device (3) comprising at least one first sorting surface (9) disposed under the destemmer (2) at least vertically to the portion of the second outlet (5) of the destemmer (2) adjacent to the inlet (4), and a second sorting surface (10) disposed under the destemmer (2) at least vertically to the first outlet (5) of the destemmer (2).The installation (1) includes a deflector (11), and at least a part of the deflector (11) is disposed between the scraping element (7) and the sorting device (3) and delimits at least two guiding surfaces (12, 13), one (12) in the direction of the first sorting surface (9), the other (13) in the direction of the second sorting surface (10).