Bread Slicer Movable Cover Shelf Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bread slicers often cause objects placed on the machine to fall when the cover is opened, leading to inconvenience and difficulty in cleaning due to falling bread crumbs and dust, especially when the slicer is positioned against a wall, making it hard to retrieve items without unplugging the device.
Innovation Solution
A bread slicer design featuring a shelf that extends above the upper part of the frame, creating a space for the cover to move into when open, preventing objects from falling and maintaining the internal cleanliness by sealing the upper part of the frame, with a slot allowing the cover to move through and a pivotally mounted shelf for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover extends above the upper part of the frame when open, then the cover can provide access to the compartment, but objects placed on the frame are pushed backwards and fall to the rear side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shelf extending above the upper part of the frame, creating a new spatial dimension (vertical space) where the cover can be received when open. This dimensional addition allows the cover to move into the space between the shelf and the frame, preventing objects on the frame from being pushed off, while still providing full access to the compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf acts as an intermediary element between the frame and the environment. It creates a receiving space for the cover that is isolated from the frame's upper surface, thereby mediating the interaction between the moving cover and stationary objects on the frame, preventing harmful contact.
2Ease of operation
If the cover moves close to the frame when open, then access to the compartment is provided, but bread crumbs and dust can fall inside the slicer between technical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal space by introducing a shelf that creates a distinct compartment between the frame and the cover's path of motion. This segmentation prevents bread crumbs and dust from falling into the space between technical parts, as the shelf acts as a physical barrier that isolates the internal components from external contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf serves as an intermediary barrier that prevents direct contact between the cover's movement path and the frame's upper surface. This intermediary structure stops bread crumbs and dust from traveling along the cover's path and entering the internal space, thereby preventing contamination of technical parts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper part of the frame is closed to prevent foreign objects from entering, then hygiene is improved, but cleaning access to internal surfaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to be movable between a regular position (providing enclosure) and a maintenance position (providing cleaning access). This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt between its protective function and its maintenance function, resolving the contradiction between maintaining hygiene and enabling cleaning access.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shelf design anticipates the future need for cleaning by providing easy access to internal surfaces when required. By designing the shelf to be movable before contamination occurs, the system prepares for maintenance needs in advance, making cleaning straightforward rather than difficult.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
AI summary
A bread slicer comprising a closed frame (2) with a front side (3) and a rear side (4) including a compartment (5) for placing a loaf of bread to be sliced and/or for retrieving the bread after it has been sliced. The compartment (5) has an access opening (6) which can be closed by a lid (7). This slicer (1) has a shelf (14) which extends above the upper part (8) of the frame (2) so as to create a space (15) between this upper part (8) and the shelf (14) allowing the lid (7) to be housed in this space (15) when it is open.