Device and method for extracting juice from food
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing juice extraction devices require lengthy preparation times, often exceeding four hours, which is impractical for daily use and can compromise the quality of extracted juices due to prolonged exposure and potential oxidation.
Innovation Solution
A juice extraction apparatus that utilizes a pressurized steam environment with a controlled decompression process, shortening the extraction cycle by expelling air and replacing it with water vapor to reduce oxidation and enhance heat exchange efficiency, allowing for juice extraction in under two hours and fifteen minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional juice extraction methods are used, then complete juice extraction is achieved, but the extraction cycle lasts more than four hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between pressurization and decompression phases during the extraction cycle. The system pressurizes the extraction enclosure to facilitate juice extraction, then decompresses to expel air and replace it with water vapor, creating a cyclic process that accelerates extraction while preventing oxidation. This periodic operation reduces total extraction time from over four hours to under two hours fifteen minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting pressure and temperature parameters during the extraction process. The control unit modifies pressure levels between pressurization and decompression phases, and adjusts heating power to maintain optimal temperature ranges. These parameter variations enable faster extraction kinetics while preserving juice quality through reduced oxidation exposure time.
2Productivity
If prolonged extraction is performed to ensure complete juice extraction, then extraction completeness is improved, but juice quality deteriorates due to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere by repeatedly decompressing the extraction enclosure to expel air (oxygen) and then re-pressurizing with water vapor. This cyclical process replaces oxygen-rich air with oxygen-depleted water vapor environment, significantly reducing oxidation of extracted juices while maintaining extraction completeness. The inert atmosphere is achieved without requiring external inert gas supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the extraction enclosure under pressurized steam conditions throughout the extraction process, with brief decompression intervals solely for air expulsion. The heating and steam generation continue uninterrupted, ensuring continuous juice extraction while periodically preventing oxidation. This continuous operation maximizes extraction efficiency while minimizing harmful oxidation exposure.
3Temperature
If air is present in the extraction enclosure during pressurization, then the pressurized steam environment is established, but heat exchange efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic decompression and re-compression cycles to systematically remove air from the extraction enclosure. By repeatedly expelling air during decompression phases and refilling with water vapor during pressurization phases, the system progressively improves heat exchange efficiency between steam and food materials. This periodic air removal strategy enhances thermal efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements feedback control by monitoring pressure and temperature parameters to determine optimal timing for decompression and re-compression operations. The system adjusts the timing and duration of air expulsion phases based on real-time measurements, ensuring maximum heat exchange efficiency is achieved while automating the complex multi-phase operation sequence.
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
The solution significantly reduces extraction time while preserving juice quality by minimizing oxidation and improving heat exchange, making it more compatible with daily use and maintaining the nutritional benefits of the extracted juices.
Implementation Method 1
means for heating the extraction enclosure, means for generating steam in the extraction enclosure
Implementation Method 2
exposing the food to be prepared to a pressurized steam environment
Implementation Method 3
operate, after a first predetermined preparation time during which the food to be prepared is heated and exposed to the atmosphere of pressurized steam, a decompression of the extraction enclosure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a juice extraction device comprising: an extraction chamber (10) arranged to receive food to be prepared and to expose same to a pressurised steam environment, characterised in that the device comprises means for measuring a preparation time of the extraction chamber (10) that are associated with means for decompressing the extraction chamber (10), arranged so as to: decompress the extraction chamber (10) for a second preparation time, after a first pre-determined preparation time.