Bread Slice Portioner With Star Wheel and Needle-Free Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bread portioning systems cause damage to bread slices due to the need for holding needles and disrupt continuous processing, leading to inefficient throughput and the generation of unusable end pieces and discs.
Innovation Solution
A scoop with a star wheel and holding components like tines, a separator, counter-holder, and hold-down device that supports bread slices upright without needles, allowing continuous cutting and portioning, and automatically handles end pieces for disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If holding means (receiving needles) are used to hold bread slices in the scoop, then the bread slices can be held in position, but the bread slices are damaged due to impaling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful receiving needles from the system and replaces them with a needle-free holding mechanism. The star wheel design with recesses and the synchronized stop create a holding system that secures bread slices without physical impaling, thereby eliminating the damage caused by traditional needles while maintaining the stability and holding capability of the slices during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a stop as an intermediary element between the cutting device and the star wheel. This stop temporarily holds the bread slices in an upright position during the cutting process, allowing the slices to be securely positioned without direct contact from harmful holding means. The stop acts as a mediator that enables holding functionality while preventing damage to the bread slices.
2Reliability
If operator manually sorts out end pieces and end discs, then unusable portions can be removed, but continuous process flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by automatically removing end pieces and end discs at the beginning of the process before the main portioning operation. The star wheel is positioned to receive only usable bread slices, and the system automatically excludes unusable portions from the cutting process, ensuring quality control is maintained in advance rather than requiring manual intervention during the process flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically handling the identification and exclusion of unusable end pieces and end discs. The synchronized movement of the stop with the star wheel creates an automatic mechanism that ensures only suitable bread slices are processed, eliminating the need for manual sorting while maintaining continuous process flow and productivity.
3Productivity
If traditional scoop design is used, then bread slices can be portioned, but throughput speed cannot be constantly high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the stop movable and synchronizing its movement with the star wheel rotation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal positioning throughout the high-speed cutting and portioning process, enabling constantly high throughput speeds while ensuring accurate portioning. The synchronized movement eliminates bottlenecks and maintains continuous high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention ensures continuity of useful action by eliminating interruptions in the portioning process. The synchronized stop and star wheel mechanism allows continuous cutting and portioning without pauses for manual sorting or adjustment. The system maintains constant high-speed operation throughout the entire process, from cutting to portioning to transfer, ensuring uninterrupted productive action.
Data Source
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AI summary
A receiving pocket (10) receives cut bread slices (18) in receiving position (G), while maintaining bread slices with holding unit. A star wheel (7) is rotated in direction of transfer device (20) until preset number of bread slices is reached. The slices after being cut in receiving position is provided to separator (14) and counter-holder (12) is pressed to lower side of prongs of slide (15) and receiving arms (8), and upper side of holder (13) to feed slices. The slices are fed during rotation of star wheel to transfer device held on by receiving arms and guide plate (11).