Radiator Panels for Above-Ground Foodstuff Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for drying almonds, such as off-ground harvesting and traditional drying techniques, face challenges including high energy costs, risk of pathogens, and inefficiencies in scaling up to large almond production volumes, while also failing to effectively reduce dust and ensure proper drying for the almond industry.
Innovation Solution
A drying apparatus and method utilizing a support frame with radiator panels that allow natural warm airflow to dry foodstuff, which can be integrated into containers or trailers, with optional supplementation of heat or forced air convection to enhance drying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If off-ground harvesting equipment is used to consolidate steps 1, 2, and 4, then dust generation is reduced, but drying time is eliminated which causes problems at hulling stage
Solution Approach 1:
The drying apparatus is integrated into the harvesting equipment, allowing nuts to be dried in advance during the harvesting process itself. The radiators are positioned to receive warm air from the exhaust system, creating a drying environment before the nuts reach the hulling stage, thus eliminating the need for separate drying time while reducing dust generation.
2Productivity
If traditional dryers similar to those used for other fruit drying are used, then drying efficiency is improved, but energy costs become very expensive and cannot scale to three billion pounds of almonds
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the exhaust air from the harvesting equipment itself as the drying medium. The radiators are positioned to capture warm air that would otherwise be wasted, and this self-generated heat source provides sufficient drying capability without requiring external energy input, making the system scalable to large production volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the air by using the warm exhaust air from the harvesting equipment. By positioning radiators to receive this pre-heated air, the system achieves effective drying temperatures without requiring additional energy input, thus maintaining high productivity at low energy cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If almonds are moved to a different open sunny area for drying on the ground, then drying can be performed, but very large spaces are required that are unavailable or too expensive, and there is high risk for pathogens, mold, and fungus
Solution Approach 1:
The drying apparatus acts as an intermediary between the harvesting equipment and the hulling process. By integrating radiators into the harvesting equipment, the system provides a controlled drying environment that protects nuts from pathogens, mold, and fungus while eliminating the need for large open spaces. The exhaust air serves as a clean, controlled drying medium.
4Ease of manufacture
If drying is performed in containers or bins, then drying can be achieved, but internal heat is produced and the fruit may rot
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of confining nuts in three-dimensional containers or bins, the system uses a two-dimensional array of radiators positioned to expose nuts to warm air flow from multiple directions. This dimensional change allows for better air circulation and heat distribution, preventing internal heat buildup and rot while maintaining effective drying capability.
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 enables efficient, cost-effective drying of almonds and other foodstuff above ground, reducing the risk of pathogens and dust while scaling to meet the demands of large almond production volumes, and can be adapted for various container types and environments.
Implementation Method 1
drying by natural warm airflow
Implementation Method 2
The radiator panels have openings through which air can flow, such that the foodstuff is dried by natural warm airflow
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for drying foodstuff such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables above ground with natural airflow that is typical during the drying season. The apparatus can be configured for placement with a container or integrated into the interior of a container, such as stationary containers, moveable containers, trailer containers, above-ground containers, and containers with sidewalls through which air can flow.