Cutting Device for Intermittent Strand Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separating devices for pressed strands of small plant parts suffer from inconsistent cutting accuracy and block quality due to string loads and compressions caused by cylinder forces, leading to variable block dimensions and defects.
Innovation Solution
A controlled drive and positioning system that actively moves the separating means along the strand, allowing precise positioning of the cutting tool relative to the strand end without string loads, using non-contact detection methods to ensure accurate cutting and minimize setup effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cylinder and fixed stop are used to advance the strand and separate it, then the strand can be fed and cut, but string loads and compressions occur causing inconsistent cutting accuracy and block quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cylinder-and-stop system with an optical measurement system (measuring beam) combined with a controlled positioning system. The measuring beam detects the strand end position without physical contact, and the positioning device moves the separating means to the correct location, eliminating the compressive forces that caused dimensional inconsistencies while maintaining feeding and cutting functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the strand is advanced by cylinder forces against a fixed stop, then cutting can be performed, but block quality becomes variable due to compressions and relaxations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a measuring beam as an intermediary that detects the strand end position optically without applying mechanical force. This intermediary system allows the separating means to be positioned accurately relative to the strand end without the strand undergoing compressive loading, thereby maintaining block quality consistency while enabling the cutting operation.
3Productivity
If the separating means is moved by strand loading against cylinder forces, then the saw can be carried along, but the strand mass must overcome restoring forces causing precision loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical strand-loading system with an independent controlled positioning system. The positioning device moves the separating means to the detected strand end location using controlled motion rather than relying on strand mass to overcome cylinder forces. This substitution maintains the ability to move and position the separating agent while achieving precise positioning without force-induced errors.
4Manufacturing precision
If non-contact detection is used to detect the strand end, then positioning can be achieved without string loads, but additional measurement systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a measuring beam as an intermediary detection device that optically determines the strand end position without physical contact. This non-contact measurement approach enables precise positioning without imposing mechanical loads on the strand, and when integrated with the positioning device, achieves high cutting precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
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
This approach enhances cutting accuracy, maintains consistent block quality, allows for quick adjustment and reconfiguration, and optimizes process time by enabling multiple cuts on a stationary strand with reduced loading, improving overall separation precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The front end of the strand can be detected with little force or without contact, e.g. with a measuring beam
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cutting device (1) for intermittently advanced strands (3), wherein the cutting device (1) comprises a cutting means (13) that can move along the strand (3). The cutting device (1) comprises a controllable drive mechanism (25) for the cutting means (13), a detection device (14) for capturing the front strand end (4), and a positioning device (15) interacting with the drive mechanism (25) for positioning the cutting means (13) with respect to the strand end (4). The cutting device (1) can be adapted to the advancement cycle of the strand (3) and cut the strand (3) when it is stationary. The invention further relates to an extrusion device for fine vegetable particles provided with binding agent and to a method for cutting intermittently advanced strands (3).