Removable Conveyor Cassette for Food Slicer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines face challenges with space and cost inefficiencies due to the need for large belt frames and complex drive systems for removable conveyor belts, which complicates cleaning and limits multi-track operation.
Innovation Solution
The design of a removable tape cassette with independent drives and a direct drive configuration, allowing for short conveyor lengths and easy installation/removal, with drives positioned below the cassette to conserve space and enable multi-track operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conveyors are suspended on one side on a machine frame to enable simple removal, then removal simplicity is improved, but the width of the belt frame must increase and more space is required on the side next to the conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from suspending conveyors on one side (horizontal arrangement) to positioning drive units below the conveyor (vertical arrangement). This dimensional change allows the conveyor to be removed vertically without requiring additional horizontal space on the side, resolving the contradiction between removal simplicity and side space requirement
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of suspending the conveyor from above or the side, the patent inverts the support arrangement by positioning the drive unit and support structure below the conveyor. This inverted configuration enables the conveyor to be lifted off vertically for removal, eliminating the need for large side spaces while maintaining ease of removal
2Ease of operation
If a clutch or clutch unit is used to couple the conveyor to the drive unit, then the conveyor can be easily removed, but the width increases due to axial arrangement of drive motor and coupling unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the clutch or clutch unit from the drive system. Instead of using a coupling mechanism that requires axial space, the conveyor is directly coupled to the drive unit below it. This removal of the intermediary coupling component eliminates the width increase while maintaining the ability to easily remove the conveyor by disconnecting it from the vertical drive unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drive unit and conveyor support structure into a single integrated unit positioned below the conveyor. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate coupling components like clutches, reducing the overall width while maintaining conveyor removability through vertical disconnection
3Power
If a coupling unit with bearing is arranged axially to the drive roller, then the conveyor can be driven, but the width increases due to the need for further connection to drive motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the drive motor and drive mechanism from a horizontal axial arrangement to a vertical arrangement below the conveyor. This dimensional change allows the drive motor to directly drive the conveyor through vertical power transmission, eliminating the need for width-consuming coupling units and intermediate connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical intermediary drive mechanism positioned below the conveyor that directly transmits power from the drive motor to the conveyor. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for complex axial coupling units and lateral connections, reducing width while maintaining drive capability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a slicing machine for food products, in particular a high-performance slicer, with at least one belt conveyor designed as a removable belt cassette.