Cam Plate Depth Limiter for Rotary Knife Cut Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power operated rotary knives lack an efficient mechanism to limit the depth of cut during trimming operations, particularly in hot defatting of beef carcasses, which can result in gouging desirable lean meat and require pre-cooling of carcasses, increasing costs and reducing yield.
Innovation Solution
A cam plate with an integral depth limiter that extends from the cam cover, spacing the cutting edge radially outward and axially below, preventing obstruction of the cut material flow and maintaining the same axial height, allowing for controlled depth of cut without interfering with the central opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a depth limiter is added to the cam plate, then the depth of cut is controlled and lean meat gouging is prevented, but the axial height of the cam plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth limiter is positioned radially outward from the central opening and extends axially below the cutting edge, utilizing the radial dimension to provide depth control without increasing the axial height of the cam plate. This dimensional arrangement allows the limiter to function independently of the cam plate's vertical profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth limiter is designed as a separate component that can be integrated with or positioned relative to the cam plate, allowing the depth control function to be segmented from the main cam plate structure. This enables independent optimization of the cam plate's axial height while maintaining effective depth limiting capability.
2Loss of substance
If the depth limiter is positioned to effectively limit cut depth, then meat yield is improved, but the cutting edge may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The depth limiter is positioned asymmetrically at the periphery of the cam plate, radially outward from the central opening, rather than symmetrically across the cutting path. This asymmetric placement ensures the limiter is effective at preventing excessive cut depth while maintaining clear access for the cutting edge through the central opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth limiter acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the cutting edge and the material being cut. It provides depth control by contacting the workpiece at a controlled depth while the cutting edge remains freely accessible through the central opening for effective cutting operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cam plate for a cam mechanism of a hand-held, power operated rotary knife. The cam plate includes a cam member engaging a split blade housing of the power operated rotary knife and being operable to change a configuration of the split blade housing between a first, blade-supporting state and a second, blade-changing state. The cam plate includes a cam cover for maintaining engagement of the cam member with the split blade housing. The cam cover includes first and second lateral sides. The cam plate further includes a depth limiter having a support portion and a working portion. A lower or carcass-contacting surface of the working portion The support portion includes first and second sections extending from respective opposite ones of the first and second lateral sides of the cam cover. The working portion includes an arcuate section, a lower surface of the working portion being spaced below a lower surface of the cam cover.