Food Slicer Add-On Device for Interleaving Separation Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deli slicers lack integrated packaging capabilities to prevent food slices from rejoining once stacked and packaged, which affects the efficiency and quality of food handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
An add-on device for slicing machines that includes a container with a sheet tray, alternating types of separation sheets, a mechanic/electro-mechanic mechanism for loading sheets, a three-position lever, and an electronic system to monitor and control the interleaving process, ensuring sheets are inserted between food slices to prevent rejoining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separation sheets are added to prevent food slices from rejoining, then packaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces separation sheets as intermediary elements between food slices to prevent them from rejoining. These sheets act as mediators that physically separate the slices during stacking and packaging, solving the reliability issue without requiring complex mechanical intervention in the slicing mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation sheet insertion function is extracted as a distinct add-on device that operates independently from the main slicing mechanism. This allows the core slicing function to remain simple while the packaging enhancement is implemented as a separate, modular component that can be added or removed as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an add-on device with multiple components is integrated, then slicing and packaging capabilities are combined, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on device is designed to automatically perform the separation sheet insertion process. The mechanism self-regulates the timing and placement of sheets as food slices pass through, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining ease of operation despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation sheet insertion mechanism is merged with the existing food slice conveyance path. By integrating the sheet insertion process into the natural flow of slice movement, the system combines slicing and packaging functions without requiring separate operational steps or increasing user burden.
3Productivity
If a mechanical/electro-mechanical mechanism is added for sheet insertion, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical/electro-mechanical mechanism operates continuously as food slices are being sliced and conveyed. The separation sheet insertion occurs in continuous synchronization with the slicing process, ensuring that every slice receives appropriate separation without interrupting the production flow, thereby improving packaging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electro-mechanical actuators to replace purely manual or complex mechanical systems for sheet insertion. By using electrically controlled mechanisms, the system achieves precise, automated sheet placement with simpler control logic and reduced mechanical complexity compared to traditional purely mechanical approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
An add-on device for a slicing machine for inserting a separation sheet in between food slices comprises a container containing (a) a sheet tray, (b) a pack of separation sheets positioned on the sheet tray, the pack of separation sheets comprises at least two types of separation sheets, each having a cut-out portion at a different location to allow contacting a second in-line sheet through a top sheet, the separation sheets are organized in said container in an alternating manner, (c) a mechanic/electro-mechanic mechanism for pushing the sheet tray upwards, (d) a three-position lever, the three-position lever comprises a left wing, a right wing and a lever actuator, the lever actuator rotates clockwise and counterclockwise across its longitudinal axis in an alternating manner, and (e) an electronic system to monitor, control, and operate the operation of the add-on device.