Eccentric Cam Rod Clamping Assembly for Knife Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slicing machines, such as the Model CC® and CCL machines, require improvements in knife securing mechanisms to enhance operational efficiency and product thickness control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular units with clamping assemblies that include a knife holder, a clamp, and an eccentric cam rod for quick-clamping and release, allowing the clamp to pivot and translate relative to pivot pins as the cam rod rotates, providing precise control over knife positioning and clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure knives, then the structure is simple, but knife security and positioning precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an eccentric cam rod mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force through eccentricity. By rotating the cam rod, the clamping force parameter changes dynamically, enabling secure knife fixation. The eccentric distance and cam profile are specifically designed to generate sufficient clamping force while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly transitions from a static fastening structure to a dynamic system where the clamp can pivot and translate relative to pivot pins. This dynamic capability allows the clamp to adapt to knife positioning requirements while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If simple clamping mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but control over product thickness is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric cam rod mechanism enables precise control of the clamp's position and clamping force through rotational parameter changes. By adjusting the cam rod rotation angle, operators can precisely control the knife's radial position relative to the cutting head axis, thereby achieving accurate product thickness control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional threaded or lever-based mechanical adjustment systems with an eccentric cam mechanism. This substitution provides more precise and repeatable positioning through the cam's geometric profile, enabling finer control over knife position and consequently product thickness.
3Productivity
If quick-clamping mechanisms are implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-clamping mechanism utilizes the dynamic motion of the cam rod rotating within the clamp's slot. This dynamic interaction between the cam rod's rotational motion and the clamp's pivoting motion enables rapid clamping and release operations, significantly improving knife changeover speed and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is segmented into independent functional components: the cam rod for actuation, the clamp for securing, and pivot pins for motion control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.
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 solution enables improved knife security and precise control over product thickness, enhancing the slicing machines' efficiency and versatility in producing uniform slices and other food product formats.
Implementation Method 1
a cam rod adapted to apply a clamping force to the clamp. The clamp has first and second upstanding flanges, each having a hole therethrough and a slot that engages a pivot, and the clamp, slots, and pivots are arranged so that the clamp both pivots and translates relative to the pivots as the cam rod rotates between clamping and release positions
Data Source
AI summary
Slicing machines having a cutting head equipped with one or more cutting units mounted thereto for securing knives to the cutting head. The cutting head has structural members spaced apart in an axial direction of the cutting head and circumferentially-spaced cutting units between the structural members. Each cutting unit includes a knife holder adapted for supporting a knife, a clamp overlying the knife holder and arranged to apply a clamping force to a knife disposed between the knife holder and clamp, and a cam rod adapted to apply a clamping force to the clamp. The clamp has upstanding flanges, each having a hole therethrough and a slot that engages a pivot, and the clamp, slots, cam rod, and pivots are arranged so that the clamp both pivots and translates relative to the pivots as the cam rod rotates between clamping and release positions.