Sandwich-Type Support for Juicing Unit to Reduce Cleaning Complexity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic juicing machines require frequent and complex cleaning processes due to the need for individual disassembly of juicing unit elements, which slows down operations and increases the risk of losing parts during cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A sandwich-type support system comprising two plates with recesses that sandwich the juicing unit elements, anchored by a removable rod with a threaded system for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing all elements to be handled and cleaned as a single unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual elements of the juicing unit are disassembled for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cleaning time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into two separable plates (front plate 4 and rear plate 8) that can be easily detached from each other via the rod removal mechanism. This segmentation allows the juicing unit elements to be accessed and removed individually for thorough cleaning, while the overall support structure remains intact for quick reassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions from a static, permanently assembled state to a dynamic, temporarily disassemblable state. The rod-based connection system enables the support plates to be easily separated and reconnected, allowing flexible adaptation between operational mode (assembled) and cleaning mode (disassembled).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple individual disassembly steps are required for cleaning, then complete cleaning is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning completenessVSAvoiddisassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into two main plates (front plate 4 and rear plate 8) connected by a single removable rod. This segmentation strategy reduces the disassembly process to a single critical step (rod removal) while maintaining the ability to access all juicing unit elements for complete cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rod (13) is extracted as the key connecting element between the front and rear plates. By removing this single extraction element, the entire support structure becomes accessible for cleaning operations, simplifying the disassembly process while ensuring complete access to all cleaning-required surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If all juicing unit elements are handled as a single unit, then handling efficiency is improved, but cleaning effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into front plate 4 and rear plate 8 that can be easily separated. During normal operation, the plates remain assembled for efficient handling. During cleaning, the plates are separated to allow individual access to juicing unit elements, resolving the contradiction between handling efficiency and cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure dynamically adapts between two states: assembled state for efficient handling and transport, and disassembled state for effective cleaning. The rod-based connection system enables quick transitions between these states, allowing the system to optimize for the current operational requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3462919B1Sandwich type support for juicing unit and machine incorporating said support
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 ZUMEX GRP SA
  • EP3462919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3462919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3462919B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Sandwich type support for juicing unit for an automatic juicing machine of the type in which the juicing unit comprises one or more female drums that move synchronously with one or more male drums that allows easy removal of the juicing unit as a whole for cleaning, such that the support comprises two plates with different openings that sandwich between them the main elements of the juicing unit such as the male and female drums, both plates being joined by at least one removable rod that is fastened via an anchor that allows a strong coupling and easy opening, such plates additionally comprising elements for anchoring to other elements of the juicing unit as well as elements for anchoring to the main body of the juicing machine.