SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A PORTABLE ARECA NUT PROCESSING APPARATUS

Abstract

ABSTRACT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A PORTABLE ARECA NUT PROCESSING APPARATUS The various embodiments of the present invention provide a portable areca nut peeling machine featuring a dual-stage blade system for efficient, precision peeling. The pre-skinning blade wheel (104) loosens the outer shell, while the primary blade wheel (106) fully removes it, preserving the nut’s quality. Load-sensitive guides adapt to different nut sizes, ensuring effective peeling without damage. The machine’s compact design includes a self-contained chain drive system and offers dual power options, enabling operation on battery or conventional electricity. Modular construction simplifies maintenance, making the machine cost-effective and accessible for small-scale farmers. This invention provides a practical solution for areca nut processing in various settings. FIG. 1

Specification

Description:A) TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to agricultural machinery. More particularly, it pertains to devices for processing areca nuts. Specifically, the invention is a system and method for efficiently peeling areca nuts while preserving their structural integrity.

B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The areca nut, also known as betel nut, is an economically valuable crop predominantly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Areca nut processing involves peeling the outer shell to prepare the nut for market. Conventional machines designed for this purpose are generally heavy, conventional electric power-dependent, and inefficient in preserving the nut's pulp and structure, often leading to significant waste and diminished quality. The peeling process must be both precise and gentle, yet traditional machines frequently damage the nuts due to a lack of adaptability to various nut sizes and shapes.
[0003] Most current peeling machines rely on a single blade wheel for peeling, which poses several challenges. These machines often fail to effectively adjust for different nut sizes, which results in an uneven peeling process. Additionally, they are generally large, require a stable conventional electric power supply, and involve complex drive systems, making them impractical for small-scale farmers and limiting their use to locations with consistent electricity access.
[0004] The high maintenance demands of these machines, due to their complex configurations, further hinder accessibility for individual farmers. Many farmers are therefore forced to rely on costly third-party processing services. An efficient, portable, and modular areca nut peeling machine with adaptable power options and a dual-stage blade system for precision peeling is needed to address these limitations. Therefore, there exists a need for a system that is efficient, easy to maintain, and adaptable to different nut sizes, helping to make the peeling process more accessible and economical.
[0005] The abovementioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for enabling a compact and portable areca nut peeling machine.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to implement a dual-stage blade system for precise peeling without damaging the nut.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to incorporate load-sensitive guides that adapt to different sizes and textures of areca nuts.
[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an option for dual power sources, allowing the machine to operate on either battery or conventional electricity.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to design a positive chain drive system that eliminates the need for gearbox and a big pulley belt system.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to achieve modularity in design, simplifying assembly, repair, and maintenance.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce the machine's dependency on human resource consumption while ensuring high peeling efficiency.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to make the machine affordable and accessible for small-scale farmers.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a clean peeling process by including a mechanism to remove debris from the peeling wheel.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a portable areca nut peeling machine designed with a dual-stage blade mechanism for efficient and precise peeling. The machine comprises a pre-skinning blade wheel that loosens the outer skin of the nut, followed by a primary blade wheel that removes the outer shell completely. This two-step approach ensures the nut's integrity is maintained, minimizing pulp loss and damage. In order to adapt to different nut sizes and hardness levels, the machine includes load-sensitive guides, which automatically adjust the pressure applied during peeling. This adaptation is achieved through a spring-based guide system that prevents the nuts from being crushed, allowing the machine to accommodate a wide variety of nut sizes. The machine's design is compact and modular, with self-bearing housed side plates, reducing its size and weight. A positive chain drive system connects the DC motor to the blade wheels, providing steady, efficient power without the need for a bulky gearbox and a big pulley belt system. The dual power capability allows the machine to operate on either a battery or conventional electricity, making it suitable for regions with inconsistent power supply. The modular components and simple design contribute to reduced maintenance requirements, making the machine cost-effective and accessible for small-scale farmers. This invention offers an affordable, efficient, and user-friendly solution to areca nut processing challenges.
[0017] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for enabling a compact and portable areca nut peeling machine, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0022] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for enabling a portable areca nut peeling machine. The portable areca nut peeling machine comprises several key components, each designed for efficient and precise peeling, integrated within a modular framework to enhance portability and ease of maintenance. The Container Module stores a bulk quantity of areca nuts, providing a steady flow into the machine for processing. The Pre-skinning Blade Wheel, equipped with specially designed blades and spacers, initiates the peeling by loosening the outer shell of the nut, preparing it for complete peeling. The Primary Blade Wheel, featuring continuous teethed blades, fully removes the outer shell while preserving the nut's structural integrity. The Load-sensitive Guide System, a spring-based mechanism, applies consistent pressure and adjusts based on the nut's size and shape, ensuring optimal peeling without causing damage. The Knurling Shaft with linear grooves aligns with the primary blade wheel to secure the nut, preventing slippage and enhancing precision. A Cleaning Brush continuously removes debris from the primary blade wheel, ensuring uninterrupted operation. The Positive Chain Drive System connects the DC motor to the blade wheels, providing smooth and durable power transfer without the need for a gearbox and a big pulley belt system. The DC Motor with Dual Power Source enables the machine to operate on battery or conventional electricity, making it suitable for areas with limited power infrastructure. Finally, the Self-bearing Housed Side Plates, which include built-in bearing housings, reduce the machine's overall size while maintaining functionality and durability.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the machine operates in three main stages: Storage, Peeling, and Cleaning. In the storage stage, areca nuts are held in the container module to ensure a consistent supply for processing. During the peeling stage, nuts are conveyed to the pre-skinning blade wheel, where the outer shell is loosened, and then moved to the primary blade wheel, which fully removes the shell. In the cleaning stage, a brush removes shell debris from the primary blade wheel, keeping it unobstructed for continuous operation. This combination of components and processes enables high-precision peeling, reduced power consumption, and minimized maintenance requirements.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the portable areca nut peeling machine includes a container, which stores the nuts before processing, and a conveyor that transports the nuts from the container to the peeling mechanism. The pre-blade wheel guide ensures proper alignment of the nuts as they approach the pre-blade wheel, which initiates the peeling by loosening the outer shell. A primary blade wheel guide then directs the nuts to the primary blade wheel, where the outer shell is fully removed. The brush wheel continuously cleans the primary blade wheel, preventing any debris buildup. Additionally, a cleaning teeth wheel removes shell fragments to keep the primary blade wheel clear for consistent operation. The knurling shaft secures the nuts during peeling, reducing slippage and enhancing precision. A spring system applies controlled tension to ensure proper alignment and pressure, adapting to different nut sizes. Finally, the bearing housed side plate provides structural support and contains the bearings that allow smooth operation of the machine's moving parts.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container module is designed to hold a substantial quantity of areca nuts, thereby reducing the need for frequent reloading and allowing for a steady, uninterrupted peeling process. This container is constructed to ensure that the nuts are securely stored and consistently fed into the machine at a regulated pace. This controlled flow of nuts is critical for the peeling process, as it maintains uniform pressure and prevents the nuts from piling up within the machine, which could otherwise cause jamming or uneven peeling.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pre-skinning blade wheel is the first point of contact for the areca nuts as they enter the peeling mechanism. This wheel is equipped with specialized blades and spacers configured to initiate the loosening of the outer shell. The function of this pre-skinning wheel is to make the shell pliable, allowing the primary blade wheel to perform a complete peel without excessive force. By loosening the shell beforehand, the machine reduces the likelihood of damage to the nut's inner layers, ensuring a higher-quality output. The pre-skinning wheel is mounted on a shaft that rotates at an optimal speed, calculated to achieve efficient loosening without compromising the machine's overall performance or stability.
[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the primary blade wheel is responsible for the actual removal of the areca nut's outer shell. Positioned downstream from the pre-skinning wheel, this larger, more robust blade wheel completes the peeling process by peeling away the softened shell. Its continuous teethed blades are engineered to apply consistent pressure across the surface of each nut, enabling a clean peel. This component is designed to accommodate nuts of varying sizes, making it versatile and effective across different grades of areca nuts. The primary blade wheel is supported by a knurling shaft, which rotates in synchronization with the blade wheel to secure the nut during the peeling phase. This alignment prevents slippage and ensures that each nut is peeled uniformly.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the load-sensitive guide system within the machine plays a critical role in adapting the peeling process to nuts of various shapes and sizes. This system consists of a spring-based guide that applies a regulated amount of pressure on the nuts as they pass through the peeling wheels. By adjusting the pressure automatically according to the nut's size and hardness, this guide system minimizes the risk of nut breakage and maximizes peeling efficiency. The load-sensitive guide is calibrated to ensure optimal performance, providing enough force to hold each nut in place while accommodating variations in nut dimensions.
[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning brush is integrated into the system to maintain the primary blade wheel's surface free from debris. This brush is strategically positioned to continuously clear away any shell particles or fragments that may adhere to the blade wheel during the peeling process. By keeping the blades unobstructed, the cleaning brush ensures that the peeling process remains smooth and that the machine operates at peak efficiency. Additionally, this feature contributes to the longevity of the blade wheel, reducing wear and tear from accumulated debris.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the positive chain drive system is a vital component of the machine, connecting the DC motor to the various rotating elements, including the blade wheels and the knurling shaft. This chain drive system eliminates the need for a gearbox and a big pulley belt system by utilizing a robust, gear-free mechanism to transfer power efficiently. The chain drive provides a steady and durable power transfer that withstands prolonged usage, contributing to the machine's reliability and ease of maintenance. The absence of a gearbox and a big pulley belt system reduces the overall weight and size of the machine, enhancing its portability and making it more suitable for field use.
[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the machine's DC motor is equipped with dual power capabilities, allowing it to operate on either battery power or conventional electricity. This flexibility makes the machine adaptable to diverse working environments, especially in rural areas where electrical infrastructure may be unreliable. The DC motor is selected for its efficiency and ability to provide steady power output. When powered by a battery, the machine can be used in remote areas, extending its accessibility and ensuring that farmers can use it in varied locations without concern for power availability.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the self-bearing housed side plates are designed to support the blade wheels and the chain drive system while minimizing the machine's footprint. These side plates incorporate built-in bearings that allow for a compact design without sacrificing durability or functionality. The self-bearing design eliminates the need for external bearing housings, reducing the machine's weight and complexity. This feature is essential for maintaining a modular structure, making it easy to assemble, disassemble, and repair. By integrating the bearings into the side plates, the machine achieves a smaller form factor and enhanced portability.
[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, during the operation, the machine undergoes a three-stage process: storage, peeling, and cleaning. During the storage stage, areca nuts are held within the container module, ensuring a consistent supply for the peeling mechanism. In the peeling stage, nuts are transported to the pre-skinning blade wheel, where their outer shells are loosened. The nuts then progress to the primary blade wheel, where the shell is fully peeled away, aided by the load-sensitive guide and knurling shaft. Finally, in the cleaning stage, the cleaning brush removes any shell fragments from the primary blade wheel, preventing obstructions and maintaining efficiency.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the functional modules within the machine include the container, pre-skinning blade wheel, primary blade wheel, load-sensitive guides, knurling shaft, cleaning brush, chain drive system, DC motor with dual power, and self-bearing housed side plates. Each module is configured to work in conjunction with the others, ensuring that the machine performs as a cohesive unit. The container stores the nuts, the blade wheels handle the peeling, the guides regulate pressure, the cleaning brush maintains blade cleanliness, and the drive system and motor provide the necessary power for continuous operation.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for enabling a compact and portable areca nut peeling machine. The system includes: Container (101) that stores a bulk quantity of areca nuts and provides a steady flow into the machine for processing; a Conveyor (102) that transports the nuts from the container to the peeling mechanism; a Pre-Blade Wheel Guide (103) that aligns the nuts as they approach the pre-blade wheel for initial processing; a Pre-Blade Wheel (104) that loosens the outer shell of the nut, preparing it for complete peeling; a Primary Blade Wheel Guide (105) that directs the nuts from the pre-blade wheel to the primary blade wheel; a Primary Blade Wheel (106) that fully removes the outer shell, maintaining the integrity of the nut; a Brush Wheel (107) for cleaning the shell debris from the primary blade wheel, ensuring smooth operation; a Cleaning Teeth Wheel (108) further removes any remaining shell fragments from the primary blade wheel; a Knurling Shaft (109) secures and aligns the nuts during the peeling process to prevent slippage; a Spring System (110) provides tension to the guides, adjusting pressure based on nut size; and a Bearing Housed Side Plate (111) supports the structure and houses bearings for the machine's components, facilitating smooth operation and durability.
[0036] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein with modifications.

G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The present invention offers several advantages over conventional areca nut peeling machines. The precision peeling feature, with its dual-stage blade mechanism, enables peeling with minimal nut damage, preserving the nut's quality and value. Its portability, achieved through a compact design and self-bearing plates, makes the machine easily transportable and ideal for small-scale, rural operations. The adaptability of the load-sensitive guide system allows it to accommodate various nut sizes, providing consistent peeling without the need for manual adjustments. The dual power options of the DC motor enhance operational flexibility, making the machine usable in areas with limited or inconsistent power supply. Additionally, the reduced maintenance benefits from the modular design and positive chain drive system, simplifying repair and reducing downtime and operational costs. The durability of the machine, with its robust construction and efficient chain drive system, ensures long-lasting performance even under heavy use. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of the design, along with reduced power consumption, makes the machine affordable for individual farmers and small farming cooperatives.
[0038] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.
, Claims:I claim:
1. A system for peeling areca nuts with a portable areca nut peeling apparatus, the system comprising:
a container (101) configured to hold and feed areca nuts into the system;
a conveyor (102) adapted to transport the areca nuts from the container (101) to a peeling mechanism;
a pre-blade wheel guide (103) positioned adjacent to the conveyor (102) and configured to align the areca nuts for the initial peeling process;
a pre-blade wheel (104) operatively connected to the conveyor (102) and configured to loosen the outer shell of the areca nuts;
a primary blade wheel guide (105) configured to guide the areca nuts from the pre-blade wheel (104) to a primary peeling stage;
a primary blade wheel (106) configured to fully remove the outer shell of the areca nuts while preserving their inner pulp;
a brush wheel (107) configured to remove shell debris from the primary blade wheel (106);
a cleaning teeth wheel (108) positioned adjacent to the primary blade wheel (106) and configured to clear the peeled shell fragments from the primary blade wheel (106);
a knurling shaft (109) configured to secure and align the areca nuts during the peeling stages;
a spring system (110) that applies controlled tension to the guides (103, 105) to maintain proper alignment and pressure on the areca nuts; and
a bearing housed side plate (111) that provides structural support and houses the bearings for the components.
wherein the components are arranged in a modular and compact configuration to facilitate portability and efficient peeling of areca nuts with minimal damage to the nut's inner pulp.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container (101) is designed with an angled feeding mechanism that allows areca nuts to flow consistently towards the conveyor (102), minimizing the need for manual intervention and ensuring a continuous supply of nuts for the peeling process, and wherein, the conveyor (102) comprises a chain-driven mechanism with cup-shaped holders that secure each areca nut and transport it from the container (101) to the pre-blade wheel (104), allowing for precise positioning and controlled movement during the initial peeling stage.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-blade wheel guide (103) is equipped with an adjustable alignment feature to ensure that each areca nut is positioned correctly before entering the pre-blade wheel (104), thereby reducing the risk of misalignment and potential damage to the nut, and wherein, the pre-blade wheel (104) includes a series of spaced-apart blades configured to apply moderate pressure to the areca nut's outer shell, loosening the shell in preparation for complete removal by the primary blade wheel (106), thus preserving the nut's inner pulp.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary blade wheel guide (105) is positioned between the pre-blade wheel (104) and the primary blade wheel (106), and is designed to channel the nuts smoothly into the primary peeling stage, ensuring optimal alignment for effective shell removal by the primary blade wheel (106), and wherein, the primary blade wheel (106) features continuous teethed blades that exert consistent pressure on the loosened shell, effectively removing the shell from the areca nut while preventing pulp damage and preserving the nut's structural integrity.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brush wheel (107) is mounted adjacent to the primary blade wheel (106) and is configured to continuously sweep away residual shell particles from the primary blade wheel (106), preventing debris buildup and maintaining a clean surface for uninterrupted peeling, and wherein, the cleaning teeth wheel (108) comprises a series of long blades that rotate in coordination with the primary blade wheel (106) to eject peeled shell fragments, preventing clogging and maintaining the efficiency of the peeling operation.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knurling shaft (109) is designed with linear grooves to secure and guide the areca nuts during the peeling process, providing stability and reducing the likelihood of slippage through both the pre-blade wheel (104) and primary blade wheel (106), and wherein, the spring system (110) provides controlled tension to the pre-blade wheel guide (103) and primary blade wheel guide (105), ensuring that each areca nut is held in place with the appropriate pressure, adapting automatically to variations in nut size and hardness.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bearing housed side plate (111) contains bearings fitted inside the built-in bearing housings, that support the rotational components of the system, allowing for smooth operation, reduced maintenance requirements, and extended operational life.

8. A method for peeling areca nuts with a portable areca nut peeling apparatus, the method comprising:
storing a bulk quantity of areca nuts in a container (101) positioned at an angle to enable a consistent flow towards a conveyor (102);
transporting each areca nut from the container (101) to a pre-blade wheel (104) using the conveyor (102);
aligning each areca nut with a pre-blade wheel guide (103) to ensure correct positioning before entering the pre-blade wheel (104);
loosening the outer shell of the areca nut using the pre-blade wheel (104);
guiding the areca nut from the pre-blade wheel (104) to a primary blade wheel (106) with the aid of a primary blade wheel guide (105);
removing the outer shell of the areca nut using the primary blade wheel (106) while preserving the integrity of the nut's inner pulp;
cleaning shell debris from the primary blade wheel (106) using a brush wheel (107) positioned adjacent to the primary blade wheel (106);
ejecting peeled shell fragments from the primary blade wheel (106) with the cleaning teeth wheel (108); and
securing each areca nut with a knurling shaft (109) to maintain alignment throughout the peeling process.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising applying controlled tension using a spring system (110) to the pre-blade wheel guide (103) and primary blade wheel guide (105), allowing the system to adapt automatically to variations in nut size and shape, ensuring optimal alignment and minimizing the risk of nut damage during the peeling process.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising providing structural support through a bearing housed side plate (111), which houses the bearings inside the built-in bearing housings for the rotational components, ensuring smooth operation, reduced maintenance needs, and long-term durability of the peeling system.

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