Rotatable Cutting Head with Biasing Stops for Variable Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food cutting equipment lacks the ability to dynamically adjust cutting thickness during operation, limiting versatility and efficiency in producing slices of varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A cutting head with rotatable cutting tools and an adjustment mechanism, including a biasing element and moveable stops, allows for the adjustment of cutting thickness by rotating the cutting tools between different positions, enabling the production of slices of varying thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting tool position is fixed, then the cutting thickness remains constant, but the versatility to produce varying slice thicknesses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is made rotatable between multiple discrete positions (first position, second position, and intermediate positions) to dynamically adjust the cutting gap. This allows the cutting thickness to be varied during operation by rotating the cutting tool to different angular positions, transforming a static cutting system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different thickness requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete positional stops (first stop, second stop, and intermediate stops) that correspond to specific cutting thicknesses. Rather than requiring continuous adjustment, the system divides the adjustment range into distinct segments, each providing a predetermined cutting thickness, thereby simplifying the adjustment mechanism while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting tool is made adjustable to change thickness, then versatility improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool incorporates self-indexing features with predetermined stops that automatically maintain accurate positioning during adjustment. The cutting tool itself participates in the adjustment process through its rotational movement and engagement with the stop mechanism, reducing the need for complex external adjustment devices and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the cutting thickness parameter by rotating the cutting tool to different angular positions rather than by physically moving or replacing components. This parameter change approach allows versatility to be improved while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple, as the same cutting tool can produce different thicknesses through positional changes
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
Enables the production of slices of different thicknesses by allowing the cutting head to adjust the cutting gap dynamically, enhancing versatility and efficiency in food processing.
Implementation Method 1
The cutting head includes a biasing element that biases the first cutting tool toward the first position
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for cutting food products is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cutting head comprising a cutting tool that is rotatable between a plurality of positions to change the cutting thickness of the cutting tool. The cutting head also includes a biasing element that biases the cutting tool in a position, and a moveable stop configured to cooperate with the biasing element to maintain the first cutting tool at any of the plurality of positions. The biasing element may be a mechanical spring.