Juicer Grating Disc and Sieve Layout for Better Pulp Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal fruit and vegetable juicers face inefficiencies due to a horizontal grating disc and inclined sieve, leading to suboptimal pulp and juice separation, with pulp over-pressurization causing uncollected juice to be expelled from the pulp collection chamber.
Innovation Solution
A grating disc with both primary and secondary processing surfaces, where the secondary surface is angled and combined with a throttle channel to increase contact time and frequency of food with the teeth, and a snorkel or vent in the lid to manage airflow and prevent juice loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a horizontal grating disc with inclined sieve is used, then the device structure is simple, but the juice extraction efficiency is low and pulp over-pressurization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The grating disc is divided into two distinct surfaces: a primary horizontal processing surface and a secondary inclined processing surface. This segmentation allows food to be processed in two stages, increasing contact time and extraction efficiency without significantly complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single horizontal plane to a two-dimensional configuration by adding an inclined surface at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal plane. This dimensional change optimizes the trajectory of food particles and improves juice extraction while maintaining structural simplicity
2Duration of action of moving object
If the grating disc is horizontal and sieve is inclined, then the device structure is simple, but contact time between food and grating teeth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The processing surface is segmented into horizontal and inclined sections, creating a throttle channel that extends the path length of food particles through the grating teeth, thereby increasing contact time without requiring a completely different mechanical configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface creates a curved or angled trajectory for food particles, causing them to follow a longer path through the grating teeth compared to a straight horizontal path, thus increasing contact time while maintaining a simple geometric form
3Ease of operation
If the rotating sieve induces airflow to move pulp, then pulp transport is improved, but uncollected juice is expelled from the pulp collection chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of excessive airflow causing juice loss is isolated and addressed by adding a specific component (the inclined surface with throttle channel) that separates the pulp transport function from the juice containment function, allowing controlled pulp movement without compromising juice retention
4Productivity
If the grating disc processes food quickly, then productivity is high, but the area below the feed tube is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the previously underutilized area below the feed tube by adding an inclined secondary processing surface in this region, effectively expanding the functional area of the grating disc without increasing its overall size or reducing processing speed
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
Enhances juice extraction efficiency by prolonging contact time and optimizing pulp and juice separation, reducing uncollected juice loss through improved pulp collection and airflow management.
Implementation Method 1
Food is urged against the grating disc by a pusher located in the feed tube of the juicer. The grating disc is carried by an assembly that also includes a frusto-conical sieve.
Implementation Method 2
the rotation of the sieve causes juice to be expelled from the interior of the sieve through the sieve and into a juice collection chamber
Implementation Method 3
The rotating frusto-conical sieve induces or creates an airflow that assists the movement of the ejected pulp into a pulp collection chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A fruit and vegetable juicing device having a feed tube, a juice collector and a grating disc carrying a frusto-conical sieve, the grating disc having a first array of grating teeth, a secondary processing surface with a second array of grating teeth; each tooth having one leading edge and one trailing edge, wherein the juice collector has either an internal helical ramp with an elevated discharge nozzle or a circumferential trough having a lowest point that leads to a discharge nozzle.