Multi-lane Food Slicing Device with Dynamic Track Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food slicing devices face inefficiencies due to the need for complex structures, maintenance, and idle time when changing products, which limits continuous operation and simultaneous slicing of multiple food items with a single cutting blade.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lane slicing device with independently adjustable tracks allows for continuous operation, where each track can be loaded and sliced simultaneously or sequentially, using a single cutting blade, with adjustable inclination and independent conveyor and gripper control to manage slice thickness and product flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cutting blade is used to slice multiple food products, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to idle time during changeover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of multiple tracks (at least three tracks) that can be independently adjusted laterally and in height. This allows the cutting blade to dynamically switch between different food products on different tracks without returning to a central position, eliminating idle time during changeover and maintaining continuous productivity while using a single cutting blade.
2Productivity
If multiple cutting blades are used to slice multiple food products simultaneously, then productivity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single cutting blade universal by enabling it to service multiple tracks (at least three tracks) through independent lateral and height adjustment of each track. The cutting blade performs the same slicing function for different food products on different tracks sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated cutting blades while maintaining continuous productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tracks are laterally displaceable to alternate positioning of food products, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the track system into independent, laterally displaceable segments (at least three tracks) that can be individually adjusted. Each track can be independently positioned laterally and vertically, allowing flexible arrangement of food products while keeping the adjustment mechanisms simple and modular, reducing overall system complexity and maintenance requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (5) for slicing several food products (2), in particular sausage, ham, and/or cheese, wherein a respective track (7) is provided for each food product (2), along which track the food product is transported in the direction of a moving blade (11). The invention further relates to a method for slicing at least two food products in two separate tracks (7). Each food product is transported along a track in the direction of a cutting blade (11) by a transport means (4). The cutting blade cuts food slices from the food product (2).