Movable Tray and Pivot Arm Layout for Compact Food Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food product cutting devices have complex structures that are difficult to install, costly, and hard to clean due to multiple parts and large movement areas, leading to contamination risks and increased machine size.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable arm and tray system that moves in a plane parallel to itself, minimizing the movement zone and using actuating means to optimize scanning, with a compact design and easy cleaning features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a telescopic arm with carriages and rails is used to move the cutting head, then the cutting head can be positioned and moved in rectangular directions, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex telescopic arm, carriages, and rails system from the device. Instead, it uses a simple movable table that translates in a plane, extracting only the essential function of moving the cutting head while eliminating the complex mechanical structures that caused cleaning difficulties and high manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than moving the cutting head along fixed rails and carriages, the patent inverts the approach by moving the table underneath the cutting head. The cutting head remains relatively stationary while the table carries the product through the cutting zone, simplifying the overall structure.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple parts and large movement areas are used, then the cutting head can cover a large working area, but the device becomes hard to clean and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic table that translates in a plane with a minimized movement zone. The table moves only where necessary to cover the required working area, reducing the overall surface area that needs cleaning and minimizing areas where food particles could accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the movement zone dimensions by controlling the ratio between the movement zone area and the plate area. This parameter optimization ensures adequate working area while minimizing the surface area subject to contamination and cleaning requirements.
3Ease of operation
If actuators are positioned on the sides of the travel area, then the plate can be moved in perpendicular directions, but the machine footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the movement functions into a single integrated movable table system that translates in a plane. Instead of separate actuators on sides for X and Y movements, the table itself performs combined movements, reducing the machine footprint to approximately 2 x A x B.
4Device complexity
If a fixed table is used, then the structure is simple, but the arm must make large amplitude movements increasing machine size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed table into a dynamic movable table that translates in a plane. This dynamic element allows the cutting head to access the entire working area without requiring large amplitude movements of the arm, as the table brings the product to the cutting position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for moving a treatment head (10) and a tray (20) in relation to a plane P, wherein said tray (20) of any shape is inscribed within a rectangle of width A and length B, and comprises a first driving means (21) suitable for cooperating with a first actuating means (22) so as to move the tray (20) in translation within a plane that is parallel to said plane P in a movement zone (30) formed from at least two perpendicular edges associated with a reference frame x, O, y, in a direction that is normally parallel to one of said axes x or y, the device (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least: a mobile arm (11) of length R pivotably mounted on one of its ends about an axis c that is perpendicular to said plane P, set in motion by a second actuating means (12) and comprising a treatment head (10) at the other end, said axis c being located in the movement zone (30) of the tray (20) and cutting off said movement zone (30) at point Q; and, in that the ratio of the area of the movement zone (30) to area of the circumscribed rectangle of the tray (20) is at least equal to 2.