Slicing machine for strand-shaped food

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting machines for slicing foodstuffs like bread and cheese are typically freestanding and require operators to turn away from customers, making it difficult to maintain customer interaction during use, and they often occupy valuable counter space.

Innovation Solution

A cutting machine designed to be integrated into a shop counter substructure, allowing for detachable and adjustable positioning, including the ability to be moved out of a base frame for visibility and accessibility, with features like drawer-like designs, height adjustment, and pivoting mechanisms to facilitate easy operation and space-saving installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cutting machine is placed at the back of the counter, then it occupies less visible space, but the operator cannot maintain visual contact with customers during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual contact with customerVSAvoidcounter space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting machine is integrated into the counter substructure, with the base frame nested within the counter framework. The receiving unit can be pulled out from the base frame like a drawer, allowing the operator to access and operate the machine while maintaining customer contact, and then pushed back into the counter when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving unit is designed to be movable relative to the base frame, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic configuration allows the machine to be accessible for operation during customer interaction while remaining compact and integrated into the counter when retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the cutting machine is integrated into the counter substructure, then counter space is optimized and visual appeal is improved, but the machine becomes less accessible for operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounter spaceVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting machine is divided into two main segments: the base frame that remains fixed within the counter substructure, and the receiving unit that can be pulled out and pushed in. This segmentation allows the machine to maintain a compact integrated appearance while providing full accessibility during operation through the movable receiving unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the cutting machine is designed as a free-standing device, then it is easily accessible and visible, but it occupies valuable counter space and has poor visual integration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidcounter space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting machine is merged with the counter substructure by integrating the base frame into the counter framework. This combination eliminates the need for separate free-standing housing while maintaining accessibility through the movable receiving unit, thereby optimizing counter space usage and improving visual integration with the shop furniture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2796252B1Slicing machine for strand-shaped food
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 SILLER RUDI
  • EP2796252B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2796252B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2796252B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A cutting machine for strand-shaped foodstuffs (18) has at least one cutting blade for the strand-shaped foodstuff (18) and at least one motor drive for the at least one cutting blade. A base frame is provided to which the cutting machine is detachably attached. The cutting machine as a whole can be moved at least a short distance out of the base frame. Alternatively or additionally, at least parts (40) of the cutting machine can be moved at least a short distance out of the base frame.