Systems, devices and methods for generating fruit juice

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing citrus juicers face issues such as manual operation, lack of temperature control, limited accessibility for certain users, frequent cleaning requirements, inefficiency, and inability to separate pulp, leading to inconvenient and unsanitary juicing processes.

Innovation Solution

A citrus juicer system comprising a citrus container, waste vessel, cooling unit, transportation system, scanning unit, digger with drilling and grinding mechanism, computing system, and self-cleaning system, which automates the juicing process, allows remote operation, and enables easy maintenance and pulp separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual squeezing is used, then the juicing process is simple, but it requires constant hand force and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand force requirementVSAvoidjuicing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical squeezing with an automated robotic system that uses a digging mechanism and suction to extract juice. The robotic arm with digging head automatically penetrates the fruit, separates pulp from peel, and extracts juice through suction, eliminating the need for manual hand force while significantly increasing juicing speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated squeezing machines are used, then manual operation is reduced, but they require frequent cleaning and have complex maintenance needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation levelVSAvoidcleaning frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates the juicing components (digger, suction system, pulp separation mechanism) as modular, easily removable parts. The digging head and suction components can be quickly detached and rinsed, reducing cleaning time and frequency. The design separates juice extraction pathways from pulp accumulation areas, making cleaning more efficient and less complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates self-cleaning features where the suction system automatically rinses the digging head and internal channels during or after operation. The design allows the system to partially clean itself through fluid flow and pressure systems, reducing the need for manual intervention and frequent detailed cleaning cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by stationary object

If room temperature storage is used, then energy consumption is low, but the juice quality deteriorates and pulp separation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling energyVSAvoidjuice quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary cooling to the citrus fruits before the juicing process begins. The fruits are pre-cooled to lower temperatures, which maintains better juice quality during extraction and facilitates easier pulp separation. This preliminary action prepares the material in advance, improving subsequent processing efficiency without requiring continuous high-energy cooling during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If simple digging is used, then the structure is simple, but pulp separation and juice extraction are inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigger structureVSAvoidjuice extraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the digging head assembly: penetration, pulp separation, and juice extraction occur through an integrated mechanism. The digging head combines cutting edges for penetrating the peel, grinding surfaces for separating pulp, and connected suction channels for immediate juice extraction. This merging of functions maintains relatively simple overall structure while achieving high extraction efficiency through coordinated multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system provides efficient, automated, and sanitary citrus juicing with temperature control, accessibility for all users, reduced maintenance needs, and easy pulp separation, enhancing user convenience and juicing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one cooling unit coupled to said citrus container (101) and said waste vessel (102)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

a pump (106) coupled to said digger (300)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS11297970B2Systems, devices and methods for generating fruit juice

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 IBRAHIM RABEI

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel citrus juicer.