Multi-Thread Vertical Pressing Screw for Balanced Food Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen appliances with pressing screws along a vertical axis face challenges in controlling forces during operation, leading to vibratory phenomena and inefficiencies in food processing.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a pressing screw with at least two main threads extending over a significant circumference and height, a pre-cut disc with passages for cut food, and a filtration element to facilitate balanced food distribution and efficient pressing, reducing vibrations and improving maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-thread pressing screw is used, then the structure is simple, but the food distribution is unbalanced causing vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing screw structureVSAvoidfood distribution balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing screw is divided into multiple independent threads (at least two) instead of using a single thread. Each thread acts as an independent food conveyance channel, distributing food more evenly around the vertical axis and reducing vibratory phenomena caused by unbalanced food distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-thread configuration to a multi-thread configuration, adding spatial distribution in the circumferential dimension. This dimensional change allows food to be distributed around the entire circumference of the pressing screw rather than concentrated in one location, improving balance and reducing vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If food is pressed without pre-cutting, then the process is simpler, but the pressing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood processing processVSAvoidpressing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A pre-cutting device is integrated into the system to cut food into smaller pieces before they enter the pressing screw. This preliminary action facilitates easier and more efficient pressing by reducing the size and hardness of the food particles, allowing the pressing screw to process food more effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the pressing screw is fixed in the working enclosure, then the structure is stable, but maintenance and replacement are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing screw positioningVSAvoidpressing screw maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing screw is designed with a removable and interchangeable mounting system, transitioning from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic one that allows easy removal and replacement. This enables maintenance personnel to access, inspect, and replace the pressing screw without disassembling the entire juicer structure, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining operational stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If a robust pressing screw design is used to handle hard foods, then the pressing capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing capabilityVSAvoidpressing screw construction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By using multiple threads instead of a single heavy-duty thread, the pressing capability is distributed across several lighter threads. This segmentation allows each individual thread to be simpler in construction while collectively handling hard foods effectively, reducing overall device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enhances the balanced distribution of food around the pressing screw, reduces vibratory issues, and improves the efficiency of food processing, allowing for more economical construction and easier maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-cut disc being arranged between the introduction chute of food and the pressing screw, the pre-cut disc comprising passages for the cut food

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Implementation Method 2

the pressing screw comprising at least two main threads having an underside extending over at least a quarter of the circumference of the pressing screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew compression: Screw

Implementation Method 3

the pressing screw surrounded by a pressing filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2637519B1Electrical kitchen appliance comprising a pressing screw
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 SEB SA
  • EP2637519B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2637519B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2637519B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical kitchen appliance comprising a pressing screw (7) rotated about a mainly vertical axis (15) in a work chamber having a food insertion chute communicating with the upper end of the pressing screw (7), and a discharge outlet. According to the invention, the pressing screw (7) comprises at least two main threads (71) providing at least two separate passages (72) for inserting food, each main thread (71) having a lower surface (73) extending over at least one quarter of the circumference of the pressing screw (7).