Food Slicer Compact Sensor Integration for Contour Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food slicers require separate, large, and expensive product scanners positioned upstream, which increase production line length and risk product dimension alteration due to mechanical and temperature effects, and existing compact sensors are not robust enough for the harsh conditions within slicers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of compact, non-contact scanning devices with sensors inside the slicer's working area, using compact sensors that are robust and accurate, allowing contour detection within the slicer, eliminating the need for separate scanners and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate upstream product scanners are used for contour detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the product scanner with the slicer into a single integrated device. The scanner unit is positioned within the slicer housing, allowing contour detection to occur at the exact cutting location. This eliminates the need for separate upstream scanners and reduces production line complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compact scanner unit as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between product feeding and cutting. This unit is positioned strategically within the slicer to detect contours immediately before cutting, serving as a mediator that enables precise measurement without requiring separate upstream equipment.
2Measurement precision
If separate upstream product scanners are used, then measurement precision is improved, but product integrity deteriorates due to mechanical influences and temperature effects
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner performs contour detection at the exact moment and location where the product will be cut, eliminating the time gap between measurement and processing. This preliminary action ensures that the product contour remains unchanged during transport, as the measurement occurs immediately before cutting when the product is still in its final position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the upstream preparation area and relocates it directly to the cutting zone. This eliminates the product transport segment between scanning and cutting, removing the source of mechanical influences and temperature effects that could alter product dimensions.
3Device complexity
If compact sensors are integrated inside the slicer, then device complexity is reduced and space requirements decrease, but reliability worsens due to harsh cleaning conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs protective housings and shielding structures that enclose the compact sensors within the slicer. These protective elements act as flexible shells that protect the sensors from high-pressure water jets and steam during cleaning operations, enabling the sensors to withstand harsh cleaning conditions while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects sensors with specific protective ratings (IP65 or higher) that are designed to withstand the cleaning parameters used in food processing equipment. By choosing sensors with appropriate protection classes, the system can endure high-pressure water cleaning and steam exposure without compromising reliability.
4Area of stationary object
If compact sensors are integrated inside the slicer, then space requirements decrease, but measurement precision may worsen due to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Protective housings enclose the sensors to shield them from dirt, moisture, and steam in the cutting zone. This protection maintains the optical pathways clear and ensures consistent measurement precision despite the harsh environment, while the compact design minimizes space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses non-contact optical sensing methods that are inherently resistant to environmental contamination compared to mechanical measurement systems. The optical sensors can detect contours through protective windows without direct contact, maintaining precision while being protected from the harsh cutting zone environment.
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 reliable and cost-effective contour detection within the slicer, reducing space requirements and maintaining product integrity, while ensuring safety and accuracy of slice weight by adapting to product handling processes.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical, electronic, and optoelectronic components used for scanning are relatively exposed and unprotected within the scanning housing. This is possible because the surrounding housing allows the use of laser radiation with a higher protection class.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for slicing food products, in particular high-performance slicers, with a working area comprising a cutting area and a transport area with a product feed, wherein the product feed supplies products to be sliced to the cutting area in a single or multiple lane and at the end of the cutting area a cutting blade, in particular rotating and/or circumferential, moves in a cutting plane, and with a non-contact scanning device for detecting at least a part of the outer contour of the products to be sliced, wherein the scanning device for contour detection comprises at least one compact sensor arranged in the working area.