Cutting Machine Impeller Exit Slots for Debris Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal-type slicing machines are vulnerable to damage from foreign debris such as rocks and other contaminants, which can impact knives and knife holders, leading to maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

The impeller design incorporates paddles with outer radial extents and exit slots in the lower plate to allow foreign debris to pass through, reducing the likelihood of damage by directing debris away from the knives and knife holders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the impeller is designed with solid paddles and no openings, then it can effectively direct material outward against the cutting knives, but foreign debris such as rocks can impact the knives and knife holders causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of knives and knife holders from debris damageVSAvoidslicing capacity and material processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The impeller is segmented into multiple paddles with radial openings, creating a modular structure that allows material to pass through while maintaining the outward directing function. The openings are strategically positioned to let debris escape without compromising the cutting action on legitimate material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Harmful foreign debris is extracted from the material stream by allowing it to pass through the radial openings in the impeller, separating it from the product material that needs cutting. This extraction prevents debris from reaching and damaging the knives and knife holders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If radial openings are added to the impeller to allow debris to pass through, then damage to knives is reduced, but the structural integrity and material directing capability of the impeller may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of cutting components from debrisVSAvoidstructural integrity of the impeller

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The impeller structure has non-uniform local properties: the paddles maintain solid sections for strength and material directing, while incorporating localized radial openings for debris extraction. This local differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve structural integrity and debris protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The impeller functions as a composite structure combining solid paddle material for structural strength with open spaces for debris passage. This composite approach allows the impeller to maintain mechanical integrity while providing pathways for foreign object removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If the impeller uses a conventional solid design, then it maintains structural strength, but foreign debris accumulates and causes increased maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of the impellerVSAvoidmaintenance frequency of cutting components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The radial openings that initially seem to weaken the impeller structure actually convert the harmful effect of debris accumulation into a beneficial debris ejection mechanism. Debris that would otherwise cause damage is now channeled through the openings and removed from the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The impeller design performs preliminary debris removal at the source (at the impeller itself) before debris can reach and damage the knives and knife holders. This preliminary action prevents the need for frequent maintenance and repairs of cutting components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively minimizes damage to the knives and knife holders by providing a pathway for debris to exit the impeller, thereby reducing maintenance needs and extending the machine's operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

centrifugal forces cause the products to move outward into engagement with cutting knives

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS12427688B2Impellers for cutting machines and cutting machines equipped with impellers

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 FRITO LAY NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Machines for cutting products and impellers suitable for use with the machines. The impellers include a lower plate having a central zone and paddles configured with the lower plate outside of the central zone to direct material to the cutting head. At least a first exit slot is located in the lower plate and extending through the lower plate to define a passageway to enable foreign debris at the upper surface to exit the impeller through the passageway.