Power-Assisted Corn Kernel Remover with Pneumatic Piston and Flexible Cutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing sweet corn kernels from cobs are either labor-intensive for small-scale use or expensive and unsuitable for home or small grower applications, lacking efficiency and adaptability for varying cob sizes.
Innovation Solution
A power-assisted corn kernel remover with a rigid frame, a pneumatic piston mechanism, and an annular cutter made of spring steel that can flex to accommodate different cob sizes, allowing for efficient kernel separation and collection, featuring a sharp cutting edge and a basket for kernel capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If industrial-type machines are used for removing kernels from multiple cobs simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase making them unsuitable for home use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functional modules: a piston mechanism for applying force, an annular cutter for kernel separation, a collection basket for kernels, and a disposal bin for cobs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device simple and suitable for home use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the cutter rotate to cut kernels (complex industrial approach), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the cutter stationary and moving the corn cob through it using a piston mechanism. This simplifies the device structure while maintaining effective kernel removal capability.
2Device complexity
If manual tools are used for removing corn kernels, then device complexity is reduced, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism operates in periodic cycles, pushing the corn cob through the annular cutter in repeated strokes. This periodic action automates the kernel removal process, significantly reducing the time and labor required compared to manual tools, while the device remains relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical action of hand-held tools with an automated piston-cutter mechanical system. The piston provides consistent force to push cobs through the cutter, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and greatly reducing processing time.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed-size cutters are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different cob sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The annular cutter is designed with flexibility to adapt its diameter dynamically. The cutter can expand or contract to accommodate different cob sizes, allowing the device to handle a range of corn cob dimensions while maintaining effective cutting performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the annular cutter, specifically its diameter, are made changeable to match different cob sizes. This parameter adjustment capability allows the same device to work effectively with various corn varieties and cob dimensions without sacrificing cutting precision.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a power-assisted corn kernel remover comprising a rigid frame supporting an annular corn kernel cutter. A powered mechanism mounted above the cutter activates a piston downward to push shucked ears of fresh corn onto the cutter. The cutter is sized and has a sharp cutting edge that severs the corn kernels from the cob as the ear descends. The cob is pushed downward through a passage to a disposal bin, while the kernels are captured by a basket surrounding the cutter. The cutter is formed of spring steel and is loosely held within the frame to allow for some expansion due to different sizes of corncobs. The powered mechanism may be a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly supplied with compressed air and having a control mechanism that permits partial activation.