Bread Slicer Blade Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bread slicers have the disadvantage that it is difficult to adjust the thrust force exerted by the slice support on the cut bread without disassembling the slicer, and the force increases as the support moves, making it impractical to maintain consistent pressure.

Innovation Solution

An adjustment system is introduced that allows for the modification of the leaf spring's blade position relative to the slicer frame using a rotary element and movement transformation means, enabling external adjustment of the thrust force exerted by the slice support, which remains constant regardless of the support's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the slice support is driven by a spring or gravity in existing slicers, then the support can exert thrust force on the cut bread, but it is impossible or difficult to modify the thrust force without opening or dismantling the slicer frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of thrust forceVSAvoidstructure of slicer frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A threaded rod acts as an intermediary element between the adjustable thrust force requirement and the fixed slicer frame. By rotating the threaded rod, the position of the blade relative to the frame is modified, thereby adjusting the thrust force exerted by the slice support on the cut bread without requiring disassembly of the frame structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed thrust force configuration to a dynamic, adjustable one. The blade position along the threaded rod can be modified during operation, allowing the thrust force to be adapted to different bread types and cutting requirements while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the slicer frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the slice support moves during the advancement of sliced bread, then the support can follow the bread into the receiving compartment, but the thrust force exerted by the slice support on the bread increases as the support moves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact maintenance with cut breadVSAvoidthrust force on bread
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the geometric parameters of the blade-slice support interaction. By modifying the blade position relative to the slice support through the threaded rod mechanism, the contact point and leverage arm are adjusted, thereby controlling the thrust force to remain substantially independent of the support's movement position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for simple and independent adjustment of the thrust force on the cut bread without disassembling the slicer, ensuring consistent pressure throughout the cutting process, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a leaf spring having a blade which exerts a pushing force on the slice support in order to keep this support resting against the cut part of the bread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the rotating element of the adjustment system comprises a screw acting on said end of the blade and cooperating with a nut fixed relative to the frame or relative to said end, so that, when the screw is rotated relative to the nut, the rotary movement of the screw is transformed into a translation movement at said end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3967465B1Bread slicer with a support for slices
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SA JAC NV
  • EP3967465B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3967465B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A slicer for cutting bread into slices includes a slice support (9) designed to exert pressure against the already sliced ​​portion of the bread to hold the slices together. This slice support (9) is movable and can move around a pivot axis (11) to maintain the support (9) in contact with the sliced ​​portion of the bread as it advances into the receiving compartment (4). The slice support (9) cooperates with a blade (10) that exerts a pushing force on the slice support (9) to keep it pressed against the sliced ​​portion of the bread. This slicer is characterized in that an adjustment system is provided that allows the position of one end of the blade (10) relative to the frame (2) of the slicer (1) to be modified in order to adjust said pushing force.