Pneumatic Press Segmented Juice Outlet Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressing technologies face challenges in achieving a smooth and homogeneous juice flow without compromising the inert atmosphere, leading to suboptimal juice quality due to discontinuous connection methods and pressure imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic press design incorporating both permanent and intermittent juice outlet means, with the latter having a closable outlet at a low point for gravity flow, allowing for pressure balancing and continuous juice extraction without air contact, even when the tank is not rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If discontinuous connection is used to draw off juice at the lower position of the tank, then free juices can flow from the start of filling and unwanted maceration is avoided, but overpressure and depression effects occur in the drainage circuit which hinder juice flow and gaseous exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into two independent outlet means: intermittent juice outlet means for drawing off free juices at the lower position, and permanent juice outlet means for continuous drainage through the axis. This segmentation allows each outlet to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, eliminating the overpressure and depression effects that occur with discontinuous connection alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent juice outlet means acts as an intermediary element that maintains continuous pressure balance in the drainage circuit. By providing a constant drainage path through the axis, it mediates between the intermittent outlet and the internal atmosphere, preventing harmful pressure fluctuations while allowing the intermittent outlet to initiate juice flow early.
2Productivity
If discontinuous connection is used at a predetermined angular position, then juice drawing off is optimized, but sealing quality is compromised and oxygen level increases reducing inerting quality
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent juice outlet means establishes a continuous drainage action through the axis of the tank, maintaining constant fluid communication between the interior and exterior. This continuous action prevents the formation of pressure differentials that would otherwise require opening seals, thereby maintaining the inert atmosphere quality while still allowing efficient juice extraction through the intermittent outlet.
3Ease of operation
If permanent continuous connection through the axis is used, then smooth juice flow is achieved, but it is necessary to wait until half of the tank is filled to start flowing free juices
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is divided into two functional outlets: the intermittent juice outlet means positioned at the lower part of the tank for early drawing off of free juices, and the permanent juice outlet means through the axis for continuous drainage. This segmentation allows the intermittent outlet to activate immediately when the tank begins filling, eliminating the delay inherent in using only a central axial outlet.
4Ease of operation
If vent or discharge valve is added to obtain homogeneous jerk-free juice flow, then juice flow smoothness is improved, but sealing quality is reduced and inerting quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent juice outlet means serves as a sealed intermediary that maintains pressure balance without requiring vent valves. By providing continuous fluid communication through the axis, it allows homogeneous juice flow to develop naturally without the need for discharge valves that would compromise the inert atmosphere sealing.
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
Ensures a smooth and homogeneous juice flow, maintaining the quality of the inert atmosphere and optimizing pressing cycles by allowing juice extraction as soon as possible, thus preventing maceration and improving the efficiency of pressure balancing between the press and collection tanks.
Implementation Method 1
the juice outlet means comprise so-called permanent juice outlet means, comprising at least one rotating connector arranged at the level of the axis of rotation of the tank, this rotating connector comprising at least two orifices, one for connection to the drainage means, the other adapted to be connected to the collection tank
Implementation Method 2
comprising at least one closable outlet opening, offset, positionable at a low point of the tank in a predetermined angular position, called pressing position, of the tank in order to form a fluid outlet at least by gravity flow
Implementation Method 3
a press, preferably pneumatic, for separating the solid and liquid parts, also called juice, from a material
Implementation Method 4
means for draining the juices contained in the tank
Implementation Method 5
pressing is carried out in an inert atmosphere, without oxygen, to avoid oxidation of the must
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The press (1) has permanent juice discharging units (12) including a rotating connector (14) arranged at level of a rotation axis of a tank (2). The connector comprises openings (15, 16), where one of the openings is connected to draining units (10) and the other is connected to a collecting tank (20). Intermittent juice discharging units (11) comprise a sealable outlet opening (13) positioned in a low point of the tank at a predetermined pressing angular position in order to form a fluid outlet by gravitating flow.