Movable Filtering Baffle Pneumatic Press for Grape Juice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional closed pneumatic presses face issues with clogging and organoleptic degradation during the pressing process, particularly when dealing with whole grapes, as fixed central baffles hinder the loading and unloading phases and cause mechanical damage, leading to unpleasant flavors and aromas in the final product.
Innovation Solution
A movable and rotatable filtering baffle is integrated into the press, allowing for better distribution of the vegetable mass, increased filtering capacity, and self-cleaning of the perforated surface without rotating the drum, which reduces clogging and minimizes organoleptic degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed central baffles are used for filtration, then filtration action is faster during pressing phase, but loading and unloading phases are hindered and stems create tangled blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering baffle is made movable instead of fixed, allowing it to change position according to operational needs. During pressing, it is positioned to facilitate rapid filtration; during loading and unloading, it can be moved to clear paths for material flow, eliminating the operational hindrances caused by fixed baffles while maintaining filtration efficiency during pressing
2Reliability
If drum rotation is used to clear clogged filters, then drainage holes are freed from blockages, but organoleptic degradation occurs due to violent impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The movable filtering baffle enables self-cleaning functionality without drum rotation. By moving the baffle back and forth, the vegetable mass automatically clears clogged drainage holes through gentle mechanical action, eliminating the need for violent drum rotation that causes organoleptic degradation while maintaining reliable drainage function
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle's movability allows it to perform dual functions: filtration during pressing and self-cleaning during idle phases. This dynamic positioning enables gentle clearing of clogs by moving mass against the baffle surface, avoiding the harsh impacts caused by drum rotation while maintaining drainage reliability
3Stability of the object's composition
If drum rotation is used to distribute mass, then homogeneous distribution is achieved, but organoleptic degradation occurs due to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The movable filtering baffle distributes vegetable mass during loading without rotating the drum. By positioning and moving the baffle, mass is guided and distributed homogeneously across the pressing chamber, achieving uniform distribution while avoiding the mechanical damage to peels that occurs during drum rotation
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 solution enables continuous and delicate juice extraction without destroying peels, reduces processing time, and minimizes the introduction of herbaceous flavors into the juice, resulting in a higher quality final product.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane, mounted on the internal wall of the drum, which is configured to remain, when deflated, adherent to the internal walls of the drum and is inflatable to press the vegetable mass against the filtering baffle
Implementation Method 2
a filtering baffle to extract liquid from the vegetal mass that is installed inside the drum, provided with a perforated surface for sifting the vegetable mass
Data Source
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AI summary
The efficiency of a pneumatic press for pressing a vegetable mass is improved. The press comprises a drum provided with its own central axis, a filtering baffle, for extracting liquid from the vegetable mass, installed inside the drum, and a membrane, mounted on the inner wall of the drum, which is inflatable for pressing the vegetable mass against the filtering baffle. The filtering baffle is movably mounted in order to be moved with respect to said internal wall.