Gauge Plate Control Knob Assembly With Monolithic Cam Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food product slicers have complex indexing knob mechanisms that require multiple components and assembly steps, leading to increased part count, assembly complexity, and potential for errors.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic knob unit is introduced, combining the grip part and cam part as a single, molded unit, eliminating the need for separate components and assembly, and featuring a cam slot and retention clips for functionality and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-component indexing knob mechanism is used, then the functionality is complete, but the part count and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grip part, cam part, and retention features into a single monolithic indexing knob component. This merging eliminates the need for separate shaft components and cam components that were previously required, reducing the overall part count while maintaining the complete indexing functionality through integrated design elements.
2Reliability
If a multi-component indexing knob mechanism is used, then the functionality is complete, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic construction integrates all functional elements (grip surface, cam profile, retention clips) into one piece that can be installed as a single unit. This eliminates multiple assembly steps required for separate components, reducing assembly complexity while preserving complete indexing functionality.
3Device complexity
If a monolithic knob unit is used, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs injection molding technology to manufacture the monolithic knob unit, transforming the manufacturing approach from mechanical assembly of multiple parts to a single molded component. This parameter change in the manufacturing process (from assembly to molding) reduces overall system complexity despite requiring specialized molding techniques to integrate multiple features in one piece.
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
The monolithic knob unit simplifies assembly, reduces system complexity, and lowers costs while maintaining the same functionality as prior art knobs, thereby reducing service requirements and opportunities for errors.
Implementation Method 1
a cam part with a cam slot... wherein the grip part and the cam part are molded together as a monolithic unit
Data Source
AI summary
A food product slicer includes a base, a knife mounted for rotation relative to the base, a carriage assembly mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife, a gauge plate mounted for movement between a closed position that prevents slicing and multiple open positions that permit slicing at respective thicknesses and a gauge plate control knob including a grip part and a cam part with a cam slot, wherein the grip part and the cam part are molded together as a monolithic unit.