Modular Slicing Machine Support Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines lack modularity, requiring multiple differently dimensioned and shaped support frames for various configurations, leading to increased costs and logistical challenges in manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular slicing machine design featuring detachable support frame modules, including lateral and transverse support modules, cladding elements, and functional units, allowing for easy reconfiguration and assembly of support frames of varying widths and configurations, utilizing beam-shaped steel profiles and adjustable feet for enhanced stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently dimensioned and shaped support frames are provided for various configurations, then the slicing machine can accommodate different numbers of tracks and widths, but the manufacturing costs and logistical challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into multiple detachable modules including lateral support modules and transverse support modules. Each module can be independently manufactured and stored, then assembled together to create support frames of different widths and configurations. This segmentation allows a single module type to serve multiple configuration needs, reducing the total number of different support frame variants required.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support modules and transverse support modules are designed as universal components that can be used across different slicing machine configurations. The same lateral support module can be paired with different transverse support modules to create various widths, eliminating the need for entirely different support frames for each configuration.
2Strength
If support frames are welded together for stability, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing flexibility and reconfiguration capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame transitions from a static welded structure to a dynamic modular structure where components can be detached and reattached. The detachable connection system allows the support frame to be reconfigured for different configurations or disassembled for maintenance and transport, while still maintaining structural strength through proper connection design.
3Ease of operation
If a modular design with detachable modules is used, then reconfiguration and assembly ease are improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is extracted as a separate, standardized component that can be independently designed and manufactured. By using standardized connection elements rather than integrated welded joints, the connection mechanism becomes a simple, repeatable feature that reduces assembly complexity despite the modular nature of the design.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to be able to manufacture differently designed support frames, often of different lengths but also of different widths, for different slicer designs with lower bearing and logistics costs, they are assembled from—differently designable—lateral support modules on the one hand and transverse support modules of different lengths on the other, but the transverse support modules are only detachably connected to the lateral support modules, usually by bolting. These modules in turn can be composed of submodules, which in turn can be composed of individual elements, whereby connection to the entire modules can also be made by welding.