Bread Slicer Packaging Mechanism for Automated Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bread slicers require user dexterity to bag sliced bread, leading to inefficiencies and the need for various bag formats, and can monopolize time in large-area settings due to manual packaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact bread slicer with a packaging system that uses two sheets of wrapping material, guided by arms and rollers, to automatically wrap and bind slices without the need for pre-formed bags, utilizing a holding member to keep slices together during movement and packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual packaging with pre-formed bags is used, then packaging can be completed, but user dexterity is required and multiple bag formats must be stocked
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging member uses a single type of packaging material that can accommodate different bread formats and sizes through adjustable guide elements, eliminating the need for multiple pre-formed bag formats while maintaining versatility across different product types
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the packaging approach by transitioning from fixed-size pre-formed bags to a continuous or semi-continuous packaging material with adjustable dimensions, allowing the same packaging system to handle various bread sizes without requiring multiple bag formats
2Productivity
If manual slicing and bagging is performed, then bread can be packaged, but the process is slow and requires user dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member preliminarily gathers and positions the sliced bread into a compact bundle before the packaging operation, preparing the product in advance for automatic wrapping. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual dexterity during the actual packaging process and significantly increases packaging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service packaging where the packaging member automatically wraps the bread slices without requiring manual intervention for bagging operations. The holding member and packaging member work together to automatically complete the packaging task, freeing the user from dexterity-intensive manual operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If a holding member is added to keep slices together, then slices remain organized during movement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is merged with the existing slicer structure, integrating the slice-gathering function into the outfeed mechanism. By combining the holding function with the existing mechanical structure, the system maintains slice arrangement stability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
4Productivity
If automated packaging with sheets is implemented, then packaging speed increases and compactness is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the holding member for gathering slices, the packaging member with guide elements for positioning, and the wrapping execution system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve fast automated packaging in a compact form
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Food slicer (1), in particular bread slicer (3), comprising a set of cutting blades (2) having blades arranged in parallel and fitted to cut the food (3) into slices and an outfeed table (4) to support the slices in their movement when they leave the set of blades (2), a packaging member (20) and a holding member (5) fitted to hold the slices adjacent to each other, the packaging member (20) being fitted to supply packaging material in the form of two sheets (30, 35) oriented towards each other such that, during the cutting of the bread (3), the slices come to rest between the two sheets (30, 35), the packaging member (20) also comprising a linking member (25) fitted to link the sheets (30, 35) to each other.