Slicing Blade Retraction and Feed Control for Multi-Article Portioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed slicing machines face limitations in efficiently slicing multiple food articles simultaneously with independent feeding and weighing capabilities, leading to suboptimal productivity and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed slicing apparatus combined with a weighing and classifying conveyor system that features independent feed rate control, servo-driven feed belts, laser detection for precise feeding, and automated debris removal, allowing for simultaneous slicing of up to four food articles while ensuring hygiene and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple food articles are sliced simultaneously on high-speed slicing machines, then productivity is improved, but independence of feed rate control for each article deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feeding system into separate independent conveyors for each food article position. Each conveyor can be controlled independently to accommodate different feed rates for different articles, resolving the contradiction between simultaneous slicing capability and independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic speed control of conveyor belts, allowing each conveyor to adjust its speed independently based on the specific requirements of each food article being sliced, enabling both high-speed operation and independent feed rate control.
2Productivity
If automated loading and continuous feed mechanisms are used, then productivity is improved, but hygiene issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the debris removal function into a separate automated conveyor system that continuously removes sliced portions and waste materials from the slicing area, maintaining hygiene while preserving continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-cleaning features where the slicing blade and conveyor surfaces are designed to be easily cleaned or automatically cleaned, reducing contamination risk while maintaining automated continuous operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If gate mechanisms are used to control food article feeding, then slicing precision is improved, but complexity of the feeding mechanism worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gate mechanisms with simpler conveyor belt positioning systems that use friction and gravity to control food article feeding, maintaining slicing precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
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 solution enhances productivity by enabling precise and efficient slicing with independent feeding, improves hygiene through minimized contamination risks, and simplifies maintenance with automated features, resulting in improved portion control and yield.
Implementation Method 1
laser detection for precise feeding
Data Source
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AI summary
A high speed slicing apparatus and a weighing and classifying conveyor combination that provides plural advantages in productivity by enhancing portion control and yield, food hygiene by implementing an automated cleanup position, etc., and operation by employing a laser food article end detection system. The invention provides a mechanism and method for slicing multiple food articles, independent of feed rate, and the ability to weigh each product group from each food article to achieve optimal weight control and yield of each food article.