Variable-Eccentric Cracking-Shelling Mechanism for Fruit Size Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cracking-shelling mechanisms for shelled fruits require complex adjustments of elongated bars and rotating shaft blocking means, making them inefficient for handling fruits of varying sizes and shell hardness, and are not easily adaptable.
Innovation Solution
A cracking-shelling mechanism with variable eccentric adjustment that omits rotating shaft blocking means, allowing simultaneous adjustment of elongated bars run and force application, using a lever principle with displacement means to adapt to fruit type and shell hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the machine is stopped to adjust the eccentricity of the connecting rod, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capability that allows the eccentricity of the connecting rod to be modified while the machine is in operation. The support point can be displaced along the guiding element during runtime, enabling continuous adaptation without stopping the cracking-shelling process, thus maintaining high productivity while achieving precise adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-adjustment mechanisms where the support point position can be set in advance for different fruit types. The displacement means allow the operator to configure the optimal eccentricity before processing begins, and subsequent adjustments can be made quickly during operation without full shutdowns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the eccentric element is displaced along the slotted hole, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment system into modular components: the support point, the guiding element with defined movement path, and the displacement means. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function simply, while their combination provides versatile adjustment capability for different fruit sizes and shell hardness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support point acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the fixed fastening means and the moving connecting rod. By displacing this intermediary along the guiding element, the system achieves variable eccentricity adjustment without requiring complex mechanisms at either end of the connection.
3Reliability
If blocking means of the rotating shaft are used, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the blocking means of the rotating shaft from the system. Instead of using complex adherence control mechanisms to block and unblock the shaft, the invention achieves reliable operation through the geometric constraints of the guiding element and the natural kinematics of the displaced support point, simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than actively blocking the rotating shaft to control movement, the patent inverts the approach by using passive geometric guidance. The guiding element's shape and the support point's constrained path naturally control the motion without requiring active blocking mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
Enhances versatility by enabling the machine to handle fruits of different sizes and shell hardness, simplifying adjustments and improving productivity.
Implementation Method 1
the lever (6) connected to a fastening means (7) at a support point (3), wherein said lever (6) amplifies the displacement of said support point (3) with respect of said fastening means (7)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention refers to a cracking-shelling mechanism with variable eccentric adjustment for shelled fruits, that comprises a plurality of longitudinal blocks parallel among them, consisting of a couple of first elongated bars with recesses on its internal sides and, adjacent to said first elongated bars, at least one second elongated bar, which exhibits recesses on its internal sides, forming holes when the first and second elongated bars are confrontedly arranged. Each couple of first elongated bars is connected by means of a lever, in its turn connected to a connecting rod, to an eccentric rotation shaft. The lever is connected to a fastening means at a support point and the support means comprises displacement means that change its position with respect of the fastening means, in such a way that the first elongated bars run is adjusted, jointly, with respect of the second elongated bar.