Bread Slicer Packaging Mechanism for Preformed Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bread slicers require manual skill and time to package sliced bread, and automatic systems are complex and bulky, unable to use preformed bags.
Innovation Solution
A bread slicer with a compact design that uses holding means to keep preformed packaging bags open, allowing the pusher to introduce cut bread into the bag as it is sliced, reducing manual operations and utilizing an inclined exit table to ensure slices are aligned and secured within the bag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual packaging is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the slicing and packaging operations into a single integrated process. The pusher mechanism that moves bread through the blade assembly also simultaneously introduces sliced bread into the packaging bag, merging two separate operations (slicing and packaging) into one unified action, thereby increasing productivity without requiring a separate complex packaging system
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher mechanism serves multiple functions: it pushes the bread through the blade assembly for slicing, simultaneously introduces the sliced bread into the packaging bag, and controls the timing of both operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate packaging machinery, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
2Productivity
If automatic packaging systems are used, then productivity improves, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the packaging function into the existing slice-and-push mechanism. The same pusher that advances the bread through the blades also feeds it into the bag, eliminating the need for separate automatic packaging machinery and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging bag is positioned and prepared in advance with its opening aligned with the blade assembly output. The holding means pre-position the bag open and ready to receive slices as they are produced, eliminating the need for complex real-time packaging mechanisms and reducing system bulk
3Adaptability or versatility
If preformed bags are used, then adaptability and simplicity improve, but packaging precision and alignment control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging bag is pre-positioned with its opening aligned with the blade assembly output position. The holding means maintain the bag in the correct orientation and position before the bread arrives, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. This preliminary positioning enables the use of simple preformed bags while maintaining packaging precision
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher mechanism automatically guides the sliced bread into the preformed bag through its opening, using the existing motion of the pusher to achieve alignment. The system uses its own operational motion (pushing) to accomplish the alignment function, eliminating the need for separate precision alignment mechanisms and allowing the use of simple preformed bags
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple manual steps are used for packaging, then packaging precision can be maintained, but loss of time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple packaging steps into a single simultaneous action. The pusher introduces sliced bread into the bag while maintaining alignment and control, merging positioning, alignment, and loading operations into one unified motion. This eliminates the time required for separate manual steps while maintaining packaging precision through the controlled single-action mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bread slicer with a loading compartment (1) for a loaf of bread (2) and with a set of blades (5) for slicing the bread (2) and cooperating with a pusher (7) for pushing the bread (2) through the set of blades (5) towards an output table (8). The invention is characterized in that the output table (8) has means for holding a packaging bag (10) open with the opening (11) facing the set of blades (5), the pusher (7) being arranged to push at least a portion of the sliced bread (2) in order to introduce it, at least partially, into the packaging bag (10).