Integrated Nut Processing Machine with Suction Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nut processing machines are inefficient in separating skins, shells, and fruit grains, especially with softer almond varieties, leading to product loss and high electricity consumption due to complex, sequential machine configurations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated machine with a feeding hopper, processing mechanism, screening means, and suction selection integrated into a single unit, allowing for effective separation of elements and real-time control of processing variables, reducing product loss and simplifying the processing line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate sequential machines (peeler, screening machine, suction machine) are used, then the processing functions are performed, but the device complexity increases and electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the peeling mechanism, screening means, and suction selection means into a single integrated machine. The peeling mechanism processes the fruit, the screening means separates the product into levels, and the suction selection means removes unwanted elements, all within one unified device rather than separate sequential machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine performs multiple functions simultaneously: peeling/dehulling, screening/separation, and suction-based selection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated machines while maintaining all necessary processing capabilities.
2Area of stationary object
If separate sequential machines are used, then processing functions are performed, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the peeling mechanism, screening means, and suction selection means into one compact unit, significantly reducing the platform space required compared to separate machines arranged in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The screening means and suction selection means are arranged within and around the peeling mechanism in a nested configuration, allowing multiple functional components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently.
3Loss of substance
If separate machines are used, then processing is performed, but the loss of substance increases due to fruit grains leaking with skins
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of screening and suction selection within the peeling machine creates a continuous separation process that immediately removes unwanted elements from the processed fruit, preventing fruit grains from mixing with and being lost along with skins and shells.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction selection means responds to the output of the peeling mechanism in real-time, adjusting its suction action based on the mixture composition to effectively separate fruit grains from skins and shells while minimizing fruit loss.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If separate machines are used, then processing functions are performed, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring process variables increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all processing functions into one machine, the control system can monitor and adjust process variables (such as suction speed and intensity) in real-time based on the actual state of the fruit being processed, rather than controlling separate independent machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the control system to receive feedback from the peeling mechanism and adjust the suction selection parameters accordingly, enabling real-time optimization of the separation process based on fruit variety and processing conditions.
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 integrated machine significantly reduces product loss and electricity consumption while improving control over the processing variables, enabling efficient handling of both hard and soft shell fruits by integrating screening and suction processes.
Implementation Method 1
selection means by suction applied to at least one level of the screening means
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated machine for processing nuts with hard or soft shells, having a feeding hopper and a processing mechanism suitable for peeling or dehulling the fruit, including screener arranged below the processing mechanism, the screener comprising at least one screen element to separate the product into two levels, where the processing mechanism includes an outlet for the mixture obtained after processing the fruit and arranged in correspondence with a projection of a first inlet end of the screener, and a selector to make a selection by suction applied to at least one level of the screening means.