Partial Vegetable Cutting Device with Segmented Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen devices are unable to perform partial cutting of vegetables, known as 'vegetable flowers,' where the cut parts remain attached to a base, making it difficult to handle and market them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support with a cavity to hold the vegetable, a cutting block with blades and fingers positioned above the cavity, allowing for partial cutting while keeping the cut parts attached to the base, and a mechanism for easy release and adjustment to accommodate different vegetable sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing cutting devices are used to cut vegetables, then the vegetables can be cut into pieces, but the cut parts become separated and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device performs partial cutting by stopping before completely separating the vegetable parts from the base. The cutting blades cut through the vegetable to a controlled depth that creates decorative patterns while leaving the base intact, maintaining the structural integrity and handleability of the vegetable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting device uses multiple cutting blades arranged in a segmented pattern that cuts the vegetable into sections while leaving connecting portions attached to the base. This segmentation creates the flower-like appearance while maintaining the base as a handle.
2Productivity
If cutting devices with multiple blades are used, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device combines multiple cutting blades into a single integrated cutting head assembly that can be easily attached to and removed from the handle. This merging of multiple blades into one modular unit maintains high cutting efficiency while reducing overall device complexity and improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting device is designed with interchangeable cutting heads that can be attached to a common handle, allowing one base device to perform multiple cutting functions. This universality maintains productivity across different vegetable types while avoiding the need for multiple complex specialized devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cutting device is designed for precise partial cutting, then the quality of vegetable flowers is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device achieves precise partial cutting by controlling the depth parameter of the cutting blades relative to the vegetable surface. The blade depth is fixed at a specific distance that ensures consistent cutting depth across different vegetables, providing manufacturing precision through a simple adjustable parameter rather than complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting device uses a guide surface or base plate as an intermediary element that maintains a fixed distance between the cutting blades and the vegetable surface. This intermediary component ensures consistent cutting depth and precision while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by separating the positioning function from the cutting function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) has a support (14) provided with a maintaining unit (16) on which a food product (12) is arranged. A cutting block (18) is arranged above the support. Blades (34) directed along a cutting direction (D) and fingers (40) directed according to the cutting direction are included in the block. The fingers is intercalated between the blades. The maintenance unit comprises an impression unit (20) taking a shape of a profile cavity (22) adapted to the food product. A wall (24) of the cavity envelopes a part (23) of volume of the food product. An independent claim is also included for a method for preparation pieces of vegetables and fruits by carrying out partial cutting.