Pineapple Mould Support with Segmented Confinement for Clean Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for cutting pineapples fail to provide a simple and effective method for making clean cuts through both the body and crown, especially in a compact and automated manner suitable for supermarkets.
Innovation Solution
A mould support with mirrored confinement elements and crown positioning features, combined with a cutter module featuring a movable blade, allows for stable positioning and efficient cutting of pineapples into two equal longitudinal parts, ensuring a clean and even cut by aligning the blade with the fruit's sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple and compact mould support is used for cutting pineapples, then the device complexity is reduced and the machine becomes more compact, but the ability to make clean cuts through both the body and crown is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mould support is divided into separate confinement elements (first and second confinement elements) that can independently position different sections of the pineapple. Each confinement element has specific walls (side walls, lower walls) that segment the positioning function, allowing the blade to cleanly cut through both the body and crown while keeping the overall structure simple and compact.
2Device complexity
If manual cutting methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and automation level are insufficient for supermarket requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mould support structure enables self-positioning of the pineapple through its geometric design. The confinement elements and positioning walls automatically guide the fruit into the correct position without requiring manual adjustment or complex automated positioning systems, achieving both simplicity and efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If generic fruit cutting solutions are used, then the adaptability is broad, but the specific ability to handle pineapple body and crown sections is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mould support features locally optimized structures specifically designed for pineapple geometry. The first and second confinement elements have specific wall configurations (side walls, lower walls, entry portions) that match the pineapple's body and crown sections, providing precise positioning and cutting for this specific fruit type while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention is enclosed in the area of fruit cutting machines, such as pineapples, with a body and a crown. It is an object of the present invention a mould support (1) for a piece of fruit cutter comprising i) a sections for confinement of a body of the piece of fruit in place and ii) a lower base, wherein the sections for confinement is fixed to the lower base and comprises a piece of fruit entry portion and at least two confinement elements. A cutter module comprising a movable member (10) with a blade and a piece of fruit cutter machine (100) comprising such mould support (1) are also part of the present invention. The present invention provides a simple and yet effective solution for positioning and subsequently cutting a pineapple in two equal parts, while being highly compact, being especially directed for supermarkets.