Semi-automatic machine for crushing and for collecting outside frozen food substances for a subsequent food use of said food substances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for crushing frozen food substances require manual extraction from storage containers, which can cause damage, waste, and contamination, and involve heating that alters food properties.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic machine with a removable storage container and integrated crushing mechanism that allows for automated crushing and collection without manual handling, using a controlled electric actuation system to guide and rotate blades within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual extraction and transfer of frozen food substance is performed, then the device structure can be simple, but time is lost and food properties may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container and crushing chamber are merged into a single integrated unit. The storage container is positioned directly within the crushing chamber, eliminating the need for separate extraction and transfer operations. This integration allows the frozen food substance to be crushed in situ, saving time and preserving food properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container serves multiple functions: it stores the frozen food substance, positions it within the crushing chamber, and acts as part of the crushing mechanism itself. The container's cylindrical shape with external ribs allows it to be both a storage vessel and a component that interacts with the rotating blade for crushing.
2Device complexity
If manual extraction and transfer of frozen food substance is performed, then device structure can be simple, but damage to the device may occur
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the storage container with the crushing chamber, the patent eliminates the manual handling step that causes damage. The frozen food substance remains in its container throughout the crushing process, preventing impacts to the device structure from extracted and transferred food blocks.
3Ease of operation
If heating the storage container is performed to facilitate extraction, then extraction becomes easier, but food properties are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of storage and crushing functions eliminates the need for heating to facilitate extraction. The frozen food substance is crushed while still frozen and in its container, preserving its food properties without requiring thermal treatment.
4Productivity
If a single body of frozen food substance is inserted into the upper compartment for crushing, then crushing can be performed, but damage to the device structure may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is merged with the crushing chamber structure, allowing the frozen food substance to be crushed within the container itself rather than being placed as a separate single body into the chamber. This integration prevents damage to the device's internal structure from large frozen blocks impacting the crushing compartment.
5Ease of manufacture
If the storage container has a smooth outer surface, then it is easy to manufacture, but it rotates during crushing making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by adding external ribs to the otherwise cylindrical storage container. These ribs break the rotational symmetry, providing engagement points with the crushing chamber or positioning mechanism to prevent unwanted rotation during the crushing operation, while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple rib additions.
6Ease of manufacture
If a frusto-conical storage container is used, then it is easy to manufacture, but complete crushing cannot be achieved without waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the container shape from frusto-conical to cylindrical with a flat bottom. This curved-to-flat transition at the base allows the rotating blade to access and crush all frozen food substance down to the bottom of the container, eliminating the dead zone present in conical containers and preventing food waste.
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
Facilitates efficient crushing and collection of frozen food substances without manual handling, reducing waste and maintaining food quality by eliminating the need for manual extraction and heating.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor located in a further second compartment is inserted, which motor is operated by means of controls arranged externally to the support structure
Implementation Method 2
the motor that activates the rotating blade starts, which blends and crushes the frozen food, making relative flakes or fragments fall into the lower through opening
Implementation Method 3
blends and crushes the frozen food, making relative flakes or fragments fall into the lower through opening and consequently into the collecting container
Data Source
AI summary
Semi-automatic machine for crushing and for collecting outside frozen food substances contained in an external storage container, for a subsequent food use of the food substances, that is for being eaten, as for example fruit smoothies, slushes, ice creams, etc., and/or for preparing foods to be eaten later, as for example condiments, seasonings, which machine being of the electrical type and including a support cabinet adapted to contain and to support at least a first electrical actuation means, at least a motion transmission element, at least an upper closing and pushing unit, and at least a lower crushing and discharging unit, the storage container containing the frozen food substance being able to be placed between the closing and pushing unit and the crushing and discharging unit, in such a way the same frozen food substance may be crushed and at the same time discharged outside the same machine.