Removable Citrus Squeezing Module for Faster Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic squeezers require complex and time-consuming assembly and removal of individual elements for cleaning, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of parts during the process.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates a support module that connects the squeezing unit's elements, allowing them to be assembled and removed as a block, with a casing providing rotational freedom and safety locks to ensure secure engagement and disengagement with the drive module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual elements of the squeezing unit are interconnected with a support structure, then the assembly and removal operations become more complex, but the cleaning efficiency improves because all elements can be removed together as a block
Solution Approach 1:
The squeezing unit is segmented into a drive module and a squeezing module that can be separated. The squeezing module contains all squeezing elements (male drums, female drums, blades, guides) interconnected by a support structure, allowing the entire squeezing assembly to be removed as one block for cleaning while the drive module remains stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The squeezing module is extracted as a removable block from the drive module. This extraction allows the entire squeezing assembly to be removed together for cleaning, eliminating the need to disassemble and clean each element individually, thus improving cleaning efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If individual drums are secured with separate wing nuts, then the attachment and releasing tasks are simplified, but the assembly and removal operations still require handling each drum individually which slows down cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual drum securing mechanisms (wing nuts on each drum) are merged into a single unified support structure that secures all drums simultaneously. This allows all squeezing elements to be attached and removed together as one block, reducing the time required for cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it interconnects all squeezing elements (male drums, female drums, blades, guides), provides a unified attachment point, and enables the entire squeezing module to be removed as a single block. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handling of each element.
3Reliability
If the squeezing elements are removed individually for cleaning, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the risk of losing parts increases and the operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
All squeezing elements are merged into a single removable squeezing module. This ensures that no parts are left behind or lost during cleaning operations, as the entire assembly is removed together. The unified structure maintains reliability while reducing cleaning time.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable wall is provided to separate the squeezing area from the machine frame, then the frame protection is improved, but the assembly and removal operations remain complex requiring multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The removable wall concept is merged with the squeezing module itself. The squeezing module acts as both the functional squeezing unit and the protective enclosure, combining the separation function with the squeezing elements. This allows the entire assembly to be removed as one block, simplifying operations while still protecting the frame from contamination.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a squeezing machine of the type in which the juice is obtained in a squeezing unit comprising at least one male drum (5) and at least one female drum, the female drum (4) having recesses for holding the fruit and the male drum having protrusions that insert in the recesses of the female drum to catch the fruit, the squeezing unit (2) and other auxiliary elements are joined to each other, preferably by a casing, such that they can engage and be released from the drive element (1) as a single block.