Cutting Machine Weighing Device Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting machines with weighing devices are prone to damage from flexible cables that connect the load cell to the display unit, affecting measurement accuracy due to mechanical stress and potential crushing.

Innovation Solution

A robust cutting machine design where the weighing device is slidably connected to the machine housing via a carrier device, with a display unit fixed to the weighing device, ensuring the cable connection remains constant, and incorporating a sealed slide bearing for mechanical stability and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible cable is used to connect the load cell to the display unit, then the weighing device can be moved relative to the machine housing, but the cable can be damaged or pinched, affecting measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovability of weighing deviceVSAvoidcable integrity and measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the flexible cable connection with a rigid cable routing through a guide channel. The cable is guided through a defined path in the machine housing, preventing it from being pinched or damaged during movement of the weighing device, thus substituting the vulnerable flexible connection with a protected rigid guidance system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide channel acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the movable weighing device and the fixed machine housing. It provides a protected path for the cable, allowing movement while preventing direct contact between the cable and external crushing forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the display unit is rigidly connected to the weighing device, then the position relative to load cell remains constant, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stability of display unitVSAvoidrigid connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit is rigidly integrated with the weighing device housing, merging these two components into a single structural unit. This ensures the display unit moves together with the weighing device, maintaining constant relative position to the load cell without requiring additional complex positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If the load cell is positioned laterally next to the machine housing, then the overall height is reduced, but the mounting stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall height of machineVSAvoidmounting stability of load cell
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The load cell is mounted laterally on the end face of the machine housing instead of vertically, changing the mounting dimension from vertical to horizontal. This reduces the overall height of the machine while the load cell remains securely mounted through lateral support structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enhances the mechanical stability and durability of the cutting machine, preventing cable damage and maintaining accurate weight measurements while allowing for precise control and easy maintenance, suitable for both compact and robust constructions.

Implementation Method 1

The weighing device (2) includes a load cell (21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

The at least one support extends through a wall of the machine housing, preferably with the wall having a sliding bearing for the at least one support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3187317B1Cutting machine with weighing device
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 BIZERBA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3187317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3187317B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3187317B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cutting machine (1) for slicing slices from strand-shaped food products is proposed, including a weighing device (2). The cutting machine comprises a machine housing (11) which includes a motor-driven cutting blade (16) and a weighing device (2). The weighing device has a load plate (22) arranged in a storage area (13) for depositing the sliced ​​portions. The load cell (21) is movable relative to the machine housing (11) together with the load plate (22), thus enabling a two-dimensional or three-dimensional placement pattern.