Guided Rotating Coring Tool for Consistent Fruit Core Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coring machines require intense manual labor to remove cores from fruits and vegetables due to lack of mechanical aids for blade insertion and rotation, and they often fail to consistently control the coring depth, making the process laborious and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coring apparatus with a rotatable cutting core held by a carrier that slides along a guide, featuring a handle for increased leverage and a mechanism to control cutting depth, allowing for efficient core removal and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cylindrical blade is used for coring, then the cutting function is provided, but intense manual labor is required for insertion and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the coring operation from purely manual rotational cutting to a guided linear insertion followed by rotation within a confined space. The carrier system provides linear guidance along the guide, separating the insertion motion (linear dimension) from the cutting motion (rotational dimension), thereby reducing the manual force required for insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary between the operator and the cutting core. It provides a mechanical interface that translates operator input into controlled linear motion of the cutting core along the guide, reducing the direct manual force needed on the cutting core itself during insertion.
2Productivity
If manual coring is performed without mechanical aids, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The coring apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a carrier for holding and guiding the cutting core, a stationary guide for linear motion control, and a cutting core with cutting members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier serves multiple functions: it holds the cutting core, guides its linear motion along the stationary guide, and provides a mounting structure for the cutting core. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing coring machines are used, then coring function is provided, but consistent depth control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary guide provides mechanical feedback by constraining the carrier to move along a fixed path. This physical constraint ensures that the cutting core inserts to a consistent depth regardless of operator variation, achieving manufacturing precision through mechanical feedback rather than operator skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary guide is pre-positioned to define the exact insertion path and depth. This preliminary action of establishing the guide position before operation ensures that all subsequent coring operations achieve consistent depth control without requiring operator adjustment or skill.
4Productivity
If a cutting blade is used without rotation aid, then device simplicity is maintained, but coring efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting core is designed to rotate dynamically within the carrier during the coring operation. This dynamic rotation, enabled by the carrier's internal geometry, allows the cutting members to effectively separate the core from the produce without requiring a complex external rotation mechanism, thus improving productivity with minimal added complexity.
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 apparatus enables efficient and consistent core removal with reduced manual effort, allowing for versatile mounting options and precise control over cored fruit or vegetable shape, enhancing productivity and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The core bearing may include a first bearing and a second bearing disposed on opposing sides of the handle of the cutting core
Implementation Method 2
The carrier and cutting core are able to slideably engage a stationary guide and thus translate in a translational direction
Implementation Method 3
The cutting member may include a cutting edge... shearing the core from the produce may include rotating a cutting member connected to the cylindrical cutting core
Data Source
AI summary
A coring apparatus and method for coring produce and/or forming a beverage container from produce including a rotatable cutting core or member. The coring apparatus allows linear translation and/or rotation of constituent members to facilitate insertion of a cutting member, separation of a core from produce, and/or removal of the core from produce. A carrier is used to translate a rotatable cutting core for insertion in and removal from produce. The rotatable cutting core is rotatable in relation to the carrier and may optionally include an additional cutting member disposed therein.