Automatic juicing machine and method for preparing a juice drink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fruit juice squeezing machines face issues with residual pulp obstructing the juice flow and requiring manual pulp removal, increasing preparation time and hygiene concerns due to direct contact and cleaning needs.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fruit juice squeezing machine with a motorized squeezing medium and a waterproof, elastic membrane that holds the fruit in place, preventing pulp accumulation and allowing juice to flow freely, while eliminating direct contact and manual pulp handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manual or motorized squeezing device is used without a membrane, then the structure is simpler, but the pulp accumulates on the strainer and blocks juice flow
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the squeezing medium and the fruit. The membrane deforms under squeezing force to extract juice while containing the pulp, preventing it from blocking the strainer. This mediator resolves the contradiction by adding a simple component that ensures continuous juice flow without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane made of elastic and waterproof material that conforms to the fruit shape during squeezing. This thin film allows mechanical force transmission while separating juice from pulp, maintaining reliable juice flow without requiring complex structural designs.
2Ease of operation
If the user holds the fruit on the squeezing medium, then direct control is possible, but hygiene conditions deteriorate due to manual manipulation of pulp
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane acts as a hygienic barrier between the user's hand and the fruit pulp. Users can press against the membrane without direct contact with pulp, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating hygiene risks associated with manual pulp manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane contains and directs the pulp automatically during the squeezing process, eliminating the need for user intervention to manage pulp. The system self-regulates the separation of juice and pulp, improving hygiene without reducing user control.
3Device complexity
If the squeezing medium contacts the fruit directly, then the construction is simpler, but cleaning becomes necessary and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof membrane serves as a protective layer that prevents pulp and juice residue from adhering to the squeezing medium. This simple film creates a non-stick barrier that eliminates cleaning requirements for the squeezing medium, resolving the contradiction between construction simplicity and maintenance ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane can be designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that absorbs all cleaning needs. Instead of cleaning the expensive squeezing medium, users can simply replace the inexpensive membrane, maintaining construction simplicity while eliminating time-consuming cleaning operations.
4Device complexity
If no holding means are used, then the device is simpler, but the fruit moves during squeezing reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane adapts to the fruit's shape and provides gentle containment, holding the fruit in position during squeezing without requiring rigid mechanical constraints. This maintains device simplicity while ensuring the fruit remains stationary for efficient juice extraction.
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 machine efficiently prevents pulp blockages, reduces preparation time, and enhances hygiene by containing pulp on the membrane, which does not require cleaning and can be easily maintained, ensuring uninterrupted juice extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (6) having waterproof and elasticity properties is supported
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An automatic fruit juice squeezing machine, for dispensing a drink made from a piece or portion of fruit, being of the type that comprises a motorised squeezing medium (1) for squeezing a fruit, connected to a user interface for starting up the squeezing medium, wherein the squeezing medium is housed in a frame, characterised in that the frame includes a squeezing chamber facing the squeezing medium wherein at least one piece of fruit is disposed, said squeezing chamber (5) including a housing wherein a membrane (6) having waterproof and elasticity properties is supported, said membrane (6) being disposed such that it is housed between the squeezing medium (1) and the piece of fruit, and holding means envisaged to hold the piece of fruit that is in contact with the membrane (6), due to which, in an operating condition of the squeezing medium, a squeezed liquid from the piece of fruit is expelled towards a liquid outlet from the membrane (6).