Bagel Slicer Pusher Assembly and Angled Blade Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bread and produce slicers are often bulky and inefficient, requiring large space and not designed for compact use, especially when slicing bagels or other doughnut-shaped items without distorting their shape, and there is a need for more effective solutions for slicing in a compact device footprint.
Innovation Solution
A compact bagel slicer design featuring a frame with a pusher assembly that translates along a slicing path, utilizing a pair of angled blades and a sled with a crown caddy to slice the bagel into a crown and heel portion, allowing for efficient and space-saving operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional bread or produce slicer is used, then slicing function is achieved, but the device occupies a large amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a stationary housing containing the blade mechanism and a separate movable pusher assembly that translates along rails. This segmentation allows the blade set to remain fixed while only the pusher moves, reducing the overall space required compared to traditional slicers where the entire assembly must accommodate large blade travel paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The slicing action is achieved by translating the pusher assembly horizontally along rails rather than requiring vertical blade travel. This dimensional change from vertical to horizontal motion allows for a more compact vertical footprint while maintaining effective slicing capability through the angled blade configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If a thin blade is used to slice bagel laterally without crushing it, then slicing precision is improved, but the blade requires precise alignment and control
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is configured at an asymmetric angle relative to the horizontal plane, with the cutting edge angled to match the natural curvature of the bagel. This asymmetric blade orientation allows the thin blade to slice through the bagel cleanly without requiring complex alignment mechanisms, as the angle itself provides the necessary guidance for precise cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled blade acts as an intermediary between the horizontal pusher motion and the vertical slicing action. By positioning the blade at an angle, the horizontal translation of the pusher assembly is converted into an effective cutting motion that maintains precision without requiring complex alignment control systems.
3Productivity
If the pusher assembly translates the bagel through the blade, then slicing speed is improved, but the bagel may be distorted or crushed
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is positioned and angled to make contact with only a localized portion of the bagel at any given time during the slicing process. This localized cutting approach, combined with the angled orientation, distributes the cutting force evenly across the bagel's curvature, allowing for fast slicing while maintaining shape integrity and preventing crushing.
Data Source
AI summary
A bagel slicer includes a frame. A pusher assembly translates along a slicing path within the frame between an open position and a sliced position. At least one blade is positioned within the slicing path. Movement of the pusher assembly along the slicing path from the open position to the sliced position translates a bagel along the slicing path about the at least one blade to slice the bagel. Movement of the pusher assembly along the slicing path from the sliced position to the open position returns the sliced bagel to the open position of the pusher assembly.