Flatbread Cutting System Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flatbread cutting systems require manual operator intervention, which increases the risk of injury and reduces processing speed and accuracy, as they need to manually place flatbread stacks on cutting pedestals for cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a lifting platform and transport arm to automatically move flatbread stacks from a conveyor to a cutting pedestal, where a cutting press can cut the flatbreads, enhancing alignment and reducing operator risk through the use of a flatbread stop and aligner for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operator intervention is used to place flatbread stacks on cutting pedestals, then the system structure is simpler, but the risk of operator injury increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the lifting platform and transport arm automatically perform the tasks previously requiring manual operator intervention. The platform lifts flatbread stacks from the conveyor and the transport arm delivers them to the cutting pedestal, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle hot or heavy flatbread stacks, thus improving safety while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (lifting platform and transport arm) that mediate between the conveyor and cutting pedestal. These intermediaries handle the flatbread stacks, transferring them safely and precisely without requiring direct manual handling, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and safety by adding controlled complexity that eliminates hazardous manual operations
2Productivity
If manual placement of flatbread stacks is used, then the equipment is simpler, but processing speed and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-service operations where the lifting platform and transport arm continuously and automatically transfer flatbread stacks without human intervention. This automation eliminates the speed limitations of manual operations while maintaining equipment simplicity through the use of straightforward mechanical components that perform repetitive tasks efficiently and consistently
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting platform performs preliminary action by lifting and positioning flatbread stacks on the transport arm before they reach the cutting pedestal. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate alignment and ready placement, increasing processing speed and accuracy while using simple, reliable mechanical components that add minimal complexity to the overall system
3Manufacturing precision
If automated lifting and transport is implemented, then placement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intermediary components (lifting platform and transport arm) that provide controlled, precise movement between the conveyor and cutting pedestal. These intermediaries incorporate alignment features and controlled motion mechanisms that ensure accurate placement of flatbread stacks, achieving high manufacturing precision through relatively simple mechanical designs that avoid excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the transfer operation into distinct functional components: the lifting platform handles vertical elevation, while the transport arm handles horizontal movement and positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function with appropriate precision, achieving overall high placement accuracy through modular, manageable subsystems rather than a single complex mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for cutting flatbread. One of the systems includes a lifting platform configured to move in a first direction to remove a flatbread stack from a conveyor along an axis, which conveyor transports the flatbread stack along a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis; a transport arm configured to a) move in a first direction along the longitudinal axis to remove the flatbread stack from the lifting platform, and b) move in a second direction along the longitudinal axis to place the flatbread stack on a cutting pedestal; and the cutting pedestal configured to receive the flatbread stack from the transport arm and to support the flatbread stack for a subsequent cutting operation.