Automated Loaf Loading System for Food Cutting Chutes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installations for cutting elongated food products face challenges such as operator safety risks due to heavy loads and uneven loading, leading to potential falls and quality inconsistencies in slicing and deposition.

Innovation Solution

The installation features a dynamic storage unit with superposed trays maintaining a constant level, automated means for picking and transferring loaves, and a mobile receptacle with horizontal and tilting discharge mechanisms, allowing for safe and efficient loading into chutes without manual handling, and ensuring consistent slicing quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operators manually load loaves into chutes from ground level, then loading can be performed, but operator safety is compromised due to heavy loads and risk of falls on stairs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidmanual loading operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through the automated transfer mechanism where the mobile receptacle autonomously transports loaves from the storage unit to the chute, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the loading process and thereby ensuring operator safety while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile receptacle acts as an intermediary device between the storage unit and the chute, transferring loaves automatically along guide paths. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by handling the heavy loading task mechanically rather than manually, improving safety while preserving operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If operators rapidly reload multiple chutes simultaneously, then slicing continuity is maintained, but quality consistency deteriorates due to uneven loading levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslicing continuityVSAvoidloading level consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates detectors that monitor the presence and position of loaves in chutes, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that loaves are loaded at the correct timing and position, maintaining both slicing continuity and loading level consistency across multiple chutes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile receptacle dynamically adjusts its position and timing based on real-time detection of chute loading status. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain consistent loading levels across multiple chutes while ensuring continuous slicing operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If chutes are positioned vertically at elevated height for bulk reasons, then space efficiency is improved, but operator access becomes difficult requiring platforms and stairs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor space utilizationVSAvoidoperator access to chute

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile receptacle serves as an intermediary that bridges the height difference between ground level and the elevated chute opening. It travels along guide paths to deliver loaves directly to the chute, eliminating the need for operators to access elevated platforms while maintaining vertical chute positioning for space efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the manual mechanical system of operator lifting and positioning with an automated mechanical transfer system. The mobile receptacle mechanically transports loaves to the elevated chute opening, resolving the contradiction by maintaining vertical positioning for space efficiency while eliminating the need for operator access to heights

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution significantly reduces operator risk of injury and improves the consistency and quality of slicing and deposition processes by automating the handling and loading of food loaves, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

configured to receive said loaf via its open upper end, with the possibility of sliding so as to direct it towards and beyond its open lower end under the effect of its own weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10906198B2Installation for cutting food products equipped with means for filling the chute

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 KAUFLER SA

AI summary

An installation (I) for cutting food products in the form of elongated loaves (P). The installation includes at least one assembly (E) with at least one chute or magazine for receiving a loaf (P). The chute has the form of an elongated compartment configured to receive the loaf (P) via its open upper end, with the possibility of sliding so as to direct it towards and beyond its open lower end. A generally horizontal tray is arranged at a distance from the lower end of the chute with a cutting blade arranged near the tray. A displacement mechanism alternatively guides the lower end so that said blade interacts the loaf and executes its cutting. Also included is a storage unit (S) and a mechanised and/or automated unit for picking-off at least one loaf (P) from the storage unit (S) and for transferring and loading it in the chute.