Spiral Meat Slicer Stabilizing Paddle for Uniform Slice Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spiral meat slicing processes face challenges in stabilizing the meat, leading to non-uniform slices and unsliced portions due to the meat being lifted by the cutting blade, resulting in quality issues and waste.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing apparatus with a paddle that contacts and supports the outer surface of the meat, applying a constant pressure to prevent the meat from being lifted, similar to holding down a loaf of bread during slicing, is integrated with the spiral slicing apparatus to ensure consistent cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a top support is used to hold down the meat from the top, then the meat stability is improved, but the slicing quality deteriorates due to non-uniform pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the stabilizing paddle at a specific location (below the meat, near the cutting zone) rather than using general top-down pressure. This localized stabilization provides uniform support exactly where needed during the cutting process, improving both stability and slicing quality simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If the meat is held firmly to prevent lifting, then the slicing uniformity is improved, but the meat product firmness deteriorates due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a stabilizing paddle that provides just enough pressure to prevent meat lifting during cutting, rather than applying excessive firm pressure from the top. This partial stabilization achieves slicing uniformity while maintaining the natural firmness and texture of the meat product.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional top-down pressure is applied to stabilize the meat, then the meat lifting is reduced, but the slice thickness uniformity deteriorates due to pressure distribution issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional approach: instead of holding the meat down from the top, the stabilizing paddle is positioned below the meat to provide upward support. This inverted stabilization method prevents meat lifting during cutting while ensuring uniform slice thickness through even pressure distribution from beneath.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for spirally slicing meat includes (1) rotating a meat product about a first axis on a turntable; (2) stabilizing the rotating meat product along its exterior surface with a meat stabilizer apparatus comprising a paddle coupled with and extending from an arm; and (3) spirally slicing the meat product in a direction generally transverse to the first axis.