Pivoting Centrifuge Basket for Integrated Vegetable Washing and Drying

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for washing and drying leaf products and vegetables require separate apparatuses and continuous elevator conveyor belts, leading to increased system size, environmental impact, and higher costs due to the need for multiple conveyor belts and elevated structures.

Innovation Solution

A single apparatus that integrates washing and drying functions using a pivoting centrifugation basket with adjustable rotation speeds and a conveyor belt for product discharge, eliminating the need for separate washing and drying machines and continuous elevator belts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate washing and drying apparatuses are used with continuous elevator conveyor belts, then washing and drying functions are provided, but system size, costs, and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing and drying functionsVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines washing and drying functions into a single integrated apparatus. The centrifugation basket serves dual purposes: washing at lower rotation speeds and drying at higher rotation speeds, eliminating the need for separate washing and drying machines and reducing overall system size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centrifugation basket is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both washing and drying operations. By adjusting rotation speed, the same basket structure accomplishes different processing functions, replacing multiple specialized apparatuses with one universal device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If continuous elevator conveyor belts are used to transfer products between washing and drying apparatuses, then product transfer is achieved, but energy consumption and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct transferVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the continuous elevator conveyor belt system from the apparatus. Product transfer is achieved through the intermittent pivoting motion of the centrifugation basket itself, which naturally deposits washed products at the appropriate discharge location, eliminating the need for separate energy-consuming transfer mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If multiple conveyor belts are provided to raise products from washing apparatus to centrifugal machine, then product transfer between stages is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct transfer between stagesVSAvoidnumber of conveyor belts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifugation basket integrates multiple functions including washing, drying, and product discharge into a single rotating component. The basket's pivoting mechanism naturally handles product transfer between processing stages, replacing the need for multiple separate conveyor belts and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces system size, costs, and environmental impact while improving product quality by integrating washing and drying in a single compact unit with reduced operational steps and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

said centrifugation basket being pivoted on said frame so as to rotate of about 180° from a working position to a discharge position, and vice versa, and means for collection and removal of washed and dried product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS8082931B2Apparatus for washing and drying leaf products and more generically vegetables

Publication Date: 2011.12.27 TURATTI S R I

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for washing and drying leaf products and more generically vegetables, comprising a frame (2), a centrifugation basket (3), a container (tank) (4) within which said centrifugation basket (3) is provided, a basin (6), communicating with said container (4) for inlet and discharge of washing water, said centrifugation basket (3) being pivoted on said frame (2) so as to rotate of about 180° from a working position to a discharge position, and vice versa, and means (7) for collection and removal of washed and dried product, said means being provided raised with respect to said centrifugation basket (3), in a position corresponding to the discharge position of the same centrifugation basket (3), being further provided driving means for said centrifugation basket permitting driving said basket (3) at at least two rotation speeds, respectively a washing speed and a drying speed.