Produce Pusher T-Bracket Fin Alignment for Thin Slicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing produce slicing machines face challenges in slicing thin, hard produce like onions due to increased force requirements and blade deflection issues, which affect the consistency and efficiency of slicing.
Innovation Solution
A produce pusher with a T-bracket design that includes a base plate, projection, fins, and spacers, where fasteners apply compressive forces to maintain alignment and reduce deflection, allowing for precise and consistent slicing of thin produce slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If more blades are used to slice thinner produce, then slicing precision is improved, but the force required to slice increases due to increased blade surface area contact
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into multiple individual blades arranged in a stack, with each blade contributing to the cutting action. This segmentation allows the cutting force to be distributed across multiple discrete cutting edges rather than a single large surface area, reducing the total force required while maintaining precise thin slicing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the entire stack of blades to deflect slightly under cutting force and return to position. This dynamic compliance accommodates the increased force requirements of thin slicing without transmitting excessive force to the produce, enabling precise slicing of hard vegetables like onions
2Strength
If pusher fins are made thicker to maintain structural integrity, then pusher strength is improved, but the spacing between fins and blades is reduced, limiting deflection accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher is segmented into multiple thin fins rather than a single thick component. This segmentation allows each fin to be thin enough to provide adequate deflection space while the collective array of fins maintains sufficient overall structural strength to push hard produce through the blade assembly without excessive force
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher fins are designed with controlled flexibility to allow slight deflection during operation. The fins can bend slightly to accommodate blade deflection and produce irregularities, then return to position, providing both the strength needed to push hard vegetables and the compliance needed to maintain consistent slice thickness
3Force
If pusher fins are made with larger surface area to push produce effectively, then pushing capability is improved, but the risk of slicing into produce instead of pushing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher surface is segmented into multiple thin fins rather than a single large flat surface. This segmentation distributes the pushing force across numerous discrete contact points, reducing the pressure at each individual fin-produce interface and preventing the pusher from slicing into or damaging the produce while maintaining effective overall pushing capability
Solution Approach 2:
Each pusher fin is designed with specific local properties - thin enough to minimize cutting risk but sufficiently strong at its contact point to transmit pushing force effectively. The varying spacing and dimensions of individual fins optimize the balance between pushing capability and produce protection across different regions of the pusher
4Manufacturing precision
If blades are positioned closer together to achieve thinner slices, then slice thickness is improved, but lateral deflection space for blades and pusher fins is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly and pusher fins are designed with controlled flexibility rather than rigid fixed positions. This allows slight dynamic deflection of blades and fins to accommodate the reduced spacing, enabling thin slicing while maintaining alignment stability through elastic compliance rather than rigid constraint
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is segmented into multiple individually mounted blades rather than a single rigid unit. This segmentation allows each blade to deflect independently to accommodate spacing constraints, maintaining proper alignment and cutting geometry even when blades are positioned closely together for thin slicing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances slicing coordination between the pusher and blades, improving the ability to slice thin, hard produce like onions with reduced deflection and increased efficiency, ensuring consistent slice thickness and minimizing damage to the produce.
Implementation Method 1
A first fastener extends through the plurality of fins, the plurality of spacers, and the projection. The first fastener simultaneously applies a first compressive force to the first fin, the third fin, and the first spacer against the projection and applies a second compressive force to the second fin, the fourth fin, and the second spacer against the projection.
Data Source
AI summary
A produce pusher for use in a produce slicer includes a T-bracket. The T-bracket includes a base plate and a projection. A first fin and a second fin of a plurality of fins extend parallel to and in contact with the projection. A third fin of the plurality of fins extends parallel to the first fin on a side of the first fin opposite the projection. A fourth fin of the plurality of fins extends parallel to the second fin on a side of the second fin opposite the projection. A first spacer of the plurality of spacers is positioned between the first and third fins and a second spacer of the plurality of spacers is positioned between the second and fourth fins. A fastener extends through and simultaneously applies a compressive force to the plurality of fins, plurality of spacers and the projection.