Angled Chute Cutting Machine with Integrated Bag Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for strand-shaped foods lack automated packaging solutions within the machine, relying on manual or complex structural efforts, which are not established on the market.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine design with an angled shaft and integrated packaging device featuring a bag opener and storage area allows for automated packaging of cut slices within the machine, where the bag is opened and compressed to receive slices, reducing crumb formation and improving hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual packaging or complex structural packaging solutions are used, then packaging capability is provided, but device complexity and operational ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function and packaging function into a single integrated device. The cutting blade assembly and bag packaging system are merged within one housing, allowing slices to be cut and packaged in a continuous automated process without requiring separate manual handling or complex multi-device coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting machine performs its own packaging operation automatically. The bag is fed from the storage area, opened by the bag opener, and receives the sliced product automatically as the blade cuts through the food item, eliminating the need for external packaging equipment or manual intervention.
2Productivity
If slices are inserted into bags manually or externally, then packaging is achieved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is prepared in advance by the bag opener, which holds and opens the bag from the storage area before the slicing operation completes. This preliminary preparation ensures the bag is ready to receive slices immediately, eliminating waiting time and enabling continuous high-speed packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The slicing and packaging operations occur continuously and simultaneously. As the cutting blade slices through the food item, the bag is continuously fed and opened, and slices are deposited into the bag without interruption, maintaining constant productive action throughout the process.
3Ease of operation
If the packaging device is located outside the housing, then packaging flexibility is improved, but device integration and operational convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging device is integrated within the cutting machine housing, merging two functions into one compact unit. The bag storage area, bag opener, and slice reception zone are all positioned within the same housing, creating a unified system that is easier to operate as a single device rather than coordinating separate external components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cutting machine for strand-shaped food products (12) comprising a housing with a loading area for the strand-shaped food product (12) and a dispensing area for the cut strand-shaped food product (24). A chute (10.4) is provided for receiving the strand-shaped food product (12), the longitudinal direction of which corresponds to the feed direction of the strand-shaped food product (12). A packaging device for the cut strand-shaped food product (12) is provided within the housing, comprising at least one bag opener (86) and at least one storage area for bags (30.4). A bag (30.4) provided by the storage area for bags can be held by the bag opener (86), at least in the area of the bag opening. According to the invention, the chute (10.4) is angled. Furthermore, a movable disc holder (88) is located behind the bag (30.4) in the feed direction.4) present, by which the bag (30.4) can be compressed in its longitudinal dimension.