Bread Slicer Incline Geometry for Clean Slice Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bread slicers with steeply inclined support surfaces risk tearing the loaf due to gravity, require complex control systems and large motors, and are ergonomically inefficient, often necessitating bulky components and poor slice quality.
Innovation Solution
A bread slicer with a support surface inclined at an angle between 10° and 25°, preferably 15° to 24°, and a guide rail for the pusher, along with a movable bagging pallet and lateral guide surface, to facilitate smooth bread movement and slice packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the support surface is steeply inclined to prevent slices from pressing against uncut bread, then slice quality is improved, but the pusher's claws may tear the loaf and the motor system becomes excessively bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the inclination angle parameter of the support surface to a specific range (greater than 10° and less than 25°) to simultaneously achieve slice separation quality and avoid excessive gravitational forces that would require bulky motor systems. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal balance point.
2Manufacturing precision
If the support surface is steeply inclined, then slices are prevented from pressing against uncut bread, but a relatively large motor with complex control system is required
Solution Approach 1:
By constraining the inclination angle within 10°-25°, the patent reduces the gravitational component acting on the bread, thereby reducing the power requirements for the motor while still maintaining effective slice separation.
3Ease of operation
If the support surface has a slight incline to facilitate bread movement, then downward movement resistance is reduced, but slice separation effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies the optimal inclination angle range (10°-25°) that provides sufficient gravitational assistance for smooth bread movement while maintaining enough slope to prevent slices from pressing against uncut portions, resolving the contradiction between ease of movement and slice separation effectiveness.
4Volume of moving object
If existing slicers are made compact, then space is saved, but the sliced bread must be removed at too low a level compromising ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by inclining the support surface, allowing the sliced bread to be positioned at a more ergonomic height for removal while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint. The inclined geometry enables vertical space utilization without increasing overall machine width or depth.
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 provides a compact, ergonomic, and efficient slicing process with improved slice quality and ease of use, reducing the risk of tearing and minimizing the need for complex motor systems.
Implementation Method 1
the support surface is inclined at an angle (α) greater than 10° and less than 25°, in particular between 15° and 24°, with respect to a horizontal line
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~9
AI summary
A bread slicer comprising: - a loading compartment (6) adjacent to the front side (2) which is connected to a receiving compartment (7) near the rear side (3) of the slicer; - an access opening (8) for placing a loaf of bread (16) to be sliced into the loading compartment (6) by a user positioned in front of the front side (2); - a cutting element for slicing the bread (16) as it moves between said compartments (6, 7); - a support surface (9) for the bread (16) extending into the compartments (6, 7). The support surface (9) is inclined at an angle (α) greater than 10° and less than 25° with respect to a horizontal line.