Cutting Machine Reflection Sensor Hygiene and Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sausage cutting machines face challenges in accurately determining the dimensions and placement of sliced products, particularly with varying diameters and shapes, which affects the stacking pattern and packaging efficiency, and existing sensors can be hygienically compromised by direct contact with the material.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one reflection sensor, such as an infrared reflection sensor, on the stop plate to measure the height profile and length of the cuttings without direct contact, allowing for precise adaptation of the depositing pattern and ensuring accurate placement within the packaging area, while maintaining hygiene and operational safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional contact sensors are used to measure the dimensions of cuttings, then measurement can be performed, but the sensors become greasy and compromise hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement method using reflection sensors that measure the dimensions of cuttings indirectly through light reflection from the stop plate position, rather than direct contact. The stop plate serves as an intermediary reference point that reflects sensor signals back to determine cutting dimensions without the sensor touching the greasy material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based measurement system with an optical measurement system using reflection sensors. Instead of mechanical sensors physically touching the cuttings to measure dimensions, optical sensors use light reflection principles to non-contactly determine the position of the stop plate and thus the cutting dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the depositing pattern is not precisely adapted to the available area, then packaging space is wasted or protrusion occurs, but precise adaptation requires complex control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where reflection sensors continuously measure the actual cutting dimensions (height and length) by detecting the stop plate position. These measured values are fed back to the controller, which automatically adjusts the depositing pattern parameters (number of slices per layer, layer spacing, placement position) to precisely match the available packaging area, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex trial-and-error control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating and adapting the depositing pattern based on real-time sensor measurements of cutting dimensions. The controller autonomously determines the optimal placement parameters without external intervention, making the system self-sufficient in adapting to varying cutting sizes and maintaining precise placement.
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
Enables precise determination of the dimensions of sliced products, ensuring accurate placement and packaging without protrusion, maintaining hygiene, and allowing for efficient calculation of slice weight and optimal stacking patterns, thereby improving the overall efficiency and safety of the cutting and packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
measures the distance to the object, i.e. to the material to be cut, based on the intensity of the reflected signals, e.g. infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflection sensor, in particular an infrared reflection sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The cutting machine has a circular knife, a cutting material carriage (2) movable against the circular knife and a stop plate (3) sliding parallel to the determined cutting thickness. A sensor unit has an infrared-reflective sensor pair (13,14) on the stop plate close to the edge or on a frame or support over a supporting surface of cutting materials (5,5') on the cutting material carriage. A maximum value for the height of a height profile is determined by a controller.