Pepperoni Slicing System with Refrigerated Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual placement of pre-sliced pepperoni on pizzas is time-consuming and inefficient, and prepackaged slices lack freshness and even distribution.

Innovation Solution

A pepperoni slicing machine that cuts slices from a solid pepperoni stick and dispenses them evenly onto a pizza, featuring a cutting disk assembly with variable speed control, stabilizer assemblies for precise cutting, and integration with a refrigeration unit for maintaining pepperoni freshness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If prepackaged pre-sliced pepperonis are used, then the pepperoni is readily available and easy to handle, but the distribution on the pizza is uneven and the taste is less fresh

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handling pepperoniVSAvoideven distribution of pepperoni

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pepperoni slicing machine automatically performs the slicing and distribution function that would otherwise require manual operation. The system feeds solid pepperoni through a cutting disk with multiple blades that automatically slice and dispense evenly spaced pepperoni rounds onto the pizza, eliminating the need for manual placement while achieving uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If prepackaged pre-sliced pepperonis are used, then the preparation is simplified, but the time required for manual placement is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of preparationVSAvoidspeed of pepperoni application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The slicing machine operates continuously as the pizza moves through the system. The feeding mechanism continuously supplies solid pepperoni to the rotating cutting disk, which continuously slices and dispenses pepperoni rounds onto the moving pizza, eliminating the stop-and-start nature of manual placement and significantly increasing production speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If prepackaged pepperonis are used, then the handling is easier, but the freshness and taste are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidfreshness and taste quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains solid pepperoni in a refrigerated state before use, preserving freshness until the moment of slicing. The refrigeration unit pre-cools the pepperoni as it is fed through the machine, ensuring that the pepperoni remains fresh and maintains optimal texture and taste characteristics throughout the slicing and application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12097632B2Pepperoni slicing system

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 EZ TOPPING SYST

AI summary

A slicing machine includes an upper housing having feeder tube(s). A motor-driven cutting plate is horizontally attached beneath the upper housing for rotation and positioned to perpendicularly receive elongate food article(s) from the feeder tube(s) at a respective position offset from a center of rotation of the cutting plate. Reverse involute cutting blade(s) attached to the cutting plate that slices the elongate food article and having a cutting edge with an upward bevel. A curved slot formed through the cutting plate beneath the cutting edge to receive slices of the elongate food article. A base housing positioned below the upper housing has a turntable that supports a food substrate that receives the slices of the elongate food article.