Vertical Axis Grain Dehuller with Radial Air Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dehusking husked grain often damage the grain, leading to reduced germination ability and require separate devices for separation and air classification, which are not efficient for small-scale or laboratory use.
Innovation Solution
A device with a peeling mechanism comprising two disks rotating about a vertical axis, where the grain and husk are separated using a radial movement and an air stream, allowing for simultaneous dehusking and separation in a single step, with adjustable disk spacing and materials like aluminum and food-grade polyurethane for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional dehulling mills or underrunner dehulling devices are used, then the husk can be removed from hulled grain, but the grain surface is damaged and germination capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the dehulling function into two distinct discs with different surface properties - one disc provides the mechanical action for husk removal while the other disc with plastic coating provides a gentler surface that prevents grain damage, allowing each component to optimize its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
One of the discs is coated with plastic material to create a localized difference in surface properties, making that specific area gentler on the grain while the other disc maintains its original texture for effective husk removal, thus protecting grain integrity while achieving dehulling
2Loss of substance
If separate devices are used for dehulling and air classification, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines two separate functions - dehulling and air classification - into a single integrated unit where the dehulled grain is automatically separated from husks using airflow, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single device performs multiple functions: mechanical dehulling through disc rotation and simultaneous air classification for separating grain from husks, making it a multi-functional unit suitable for both laboratory and small-scale production use
3Device complexity
If horizontal axis peeling devices are used, then the structure is simple, but high mechanical loads are generated due to asymmetric grain distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The device inverts the conventional horizontal axis arrangement by using a vertical axis of rotation for the discs, which fundamentally changes the force distribution and eliminates the asymmetric loading problem caused by downward-falling grain, resulting in more uniform mechanical stress distribution
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 device effectively dehusks grain without damaging it, allowing for efficient separation of husk and grain in a single step, improving the service life and suitability for small-scale or laboratory use, with high thermal conductivity and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
the grain and husk are separated using a radial movement and an air stream
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for dehulling hulled grain, in particular as a laboratory or small-quantity dehuller of hulled grain kernels and for producing dehulled hulled grain seed, is described, which has a dehulling device (4) comprising a first disc (40) and a second disc (42) movable relative to the first disc (40) and which can be driven about a vertical axis of rotation (44), wherein the discs (40; 42) enclose a working space between their main surfaces having a surface made of a temperature-stable and elastic material, which can be filled with hulled grain from the side opposite the second disc (42) through a filling opening of the first disc (40) in the region of its center, wherein by rotation of the second disc (42) a dehulling of the kernel and hull of the hulled grain is effected by a radial movement along the discs (40;42) so that the grain and husk of the hulled grain leave the dehulling device (4) at its outer circumference via an outlet opening (46) which leads via a downpipe (48) into a collecting vessel (24), the downpipe (48) having a lateral air inlet opening (52) which is supplied with an airflow such that husk leaves the downpipe (58) laterally in front of the collecting vessel (24).