Compact Dough Splitter With Crossed-Branch Force Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dough dividers are large, bulky, and have complex constructions, and their drive systems do not adapt to the variable force required for dividing dough into pieces.
Innovation Solution
A dough divider with a drive device comprising crossed branches and a toothed wheel mechanism that allows the bottom and grid to move relative to each other, automatically adjusting the force based on the dough's resistance during cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing dividers use electric or hydraulic drive devices, then the dividing function is achieved, but the device becomes large and bulky with complex construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electric or hydraulic drive systems with a simple manual mechanical drive system. The user applies force directly to the handle, which transmits motion through the lever arm and connecting rod to move the grid vertically. This mechanical substitution eliminates motors, hydraulics, and associated control systems, achieving the dividing function with minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional dividers. By removing electric motors, hydraulic pumps, and complex transmission mechanisms, the design retains only the essential elements needed for the dividing function: a manual handle, lever arm, connecting rod, and grid assembly. This extraction reduces both device complexity and size.
2Device complexity
If existing dividers use fixed drive mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the force supplied does not adapt to variable dough resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic force adaptation mechanism where the lever arm pivots about a fulcrum point. As the grid encounters increasing resistance from compacted dough, the user's applied force is automatically amplified and adjusted through the lever's rotational motion. The mechanical advantage changes dynamically during the stroke, providing higher force when needed without requiring a complex variable drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the handle for force application, the lever arm for force amplification and directional conversion, the connecting rod for motion transmission, and the grid for cutting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the lever arm specifically designed to adapt force levels based on operational conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the divider is designed with standard dimensions, then manufacturing is easier, but the device becomes relatively large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact, space-efficient design where components are arranged vertically and nested within each other. The handle, lever arm, connecting rod, and grid assembly are positioned in a compact vertical arrangement that minimizes the device's horizontal footprint. The lever arm pivots within a confined space, and the grid moves vertically through a compact stroke distance, reducing overall device volume while maintaining manufacturability.
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 divider is compact, easily movable, and efficiently cuts dough into pieces by adapting the cutting force to the dough's compaction resistance, reducing manual effort and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the drive means comprise a toothed wheel having a central drive axis and a notched element, one of which is fixed relative to the chassis and the other is fixed to one end of the branches of one of the sets of branches. Thus, the toothed wheel cooperates with the notched element so that, when the wheel is driven around its drive axis, said ends of the branches of the first set of branches are displaced relative to those of the second set of branches.
Implementation Method 2
the drive device comprises at least two crossed branches placed between a support structure secured to the frame and a driven structure. This driven structure comprises the bottom of the tank or said grid and is preferably supported by an upper end of a first branch and an upper end of a second branch. Said branches cross on a pivot axis and are interconnected with the possibility of pivoting about this axis.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~11
Figure 9~15
AI summary
Dough divider for cutting a mass of dough (8) into dough pieces (11) comprising a bowl (2) with a bottom (3), a grid (7) formed by cutting blades (10) and a drive device (12) for moving the bottom (3) and the grid (7) relative to each other to push the grid (7) through the mass of dough (8) to form the dough pieces (11). The drive device (12) comprises at least two arms (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b) positioned between a support structure (16) and the bottom (3) of the bowl (2) or said grid (7), these arms (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b) intersecting on a pivot axis (17). The drive means make it possible to move one end (18) of a first branch (14a,14b) relative to one end (19) of a second branch (15a, 15b) to raise or lower said driven structure (13).