One-Hand Fruit Squeezer With Pivoting Screen Filtration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fruit squeezers require two hands to operate, making them difficult, time-consuming, and messy, with potential contamination from bacteria and fruit pulp/pits in the juice.
Innovation Solution
A single-hand operated fruit squeezer with a mechanism to automatically collect and clean pulp/pits using a screen that moves between squeezing positions, allowing for efficient juice extraction without hand contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art fruit squeezers are used, then juice extraction is achieved, but two hands are required to operate them
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a body housing, a pivotable screen assembly, and a wiping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall one-handed operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wiping mechanism automatically wipes the screen surface during the squeezing operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The screen also automatically pivots to collect and dispose of pulp and pits, making the device self-servicing and enabling one-handed operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hand squeezing is used, then juice extraction is achieved, but contamination from bacteria and dirt occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanism (the screen and wiping system) between the user's hand and the fruit. This intermediary automatically handles the fruit manipulation and juice extraction, preventing direct hand contact and thus eliminating contamination from bacteria and dirt while maintaining operational simplicity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hand squeezing is used, then juice extraction is achieved, but fruit pulp and pits contaminate the juice
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly is designed to extract and separate pulp and pits from the juice during the squeezing process. The screen pivots to a collection position where pulp and pits are caught and then automatically disposed of, removing these harmful factors directly during operation and eliminating the need for separate removal steps
Solution Approach 2:
The wiping mechanism operates continuously during the squeezing action, constantly cleaning the screen surface to prevent pulp and pits from accumulating and contaminating the juice. This continuous action ensures pulp-free juice extraction without interrupting the squeezing process or requiring additional time
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual fruit placement is used, then fruit processing is achieved, but hand contact with fruit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to automatically pick up and position the fruit between the squeezing mechanism and the screen without requiring hand placement. This self-service capability eliminates hand contact with the fruit entirely while the added complexity is offset by the benefit of contamination prevention
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
Enables quick, clean, and efficient juice extraction from fruits using only one hand, preventing contamination and simplifying the process by automatically collecting and cleaning pulp/pits.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing spring is connected between the first and second handles for biasing the top and bottom portions of the handles apart and against a squeezing force that is applied to move the top portions of the handles together
Data Source
AI summary
A fruit squeezer for squeezing juice picks up, squeezes and discards the squeezed fruit with use of a single hand. The squeezer has a first handle and a second handle that are rotatably connected to each other. Each handle has a top portion and a bottom portion. A biasing spring biases the top and bottom portions apart. A U-shaped jaw is fixed to the bottom end of the second handle. A pressing plate jaw is pivotally mounted to the bottom end of the first handle. Squeezing the top ends of the handles toward each other against the force of a spring moves the jaws for squeezing the fruit. A screen operatively connected to the handles simultaneously rotates at a second pivot axis from a rest position to a screening position below the fruit for screening solids from the squeezed juice.