Industrial Slicer Blade Positioning via Servo Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial slicers face challenges in efficiently cutting food products of varying shapes and dimensions into slices of consistent weight and thickness, requiring manual adjustment of blades, which is hazardous and disrupts production, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

An industrial slicer with a cutting station equipped with motorized conveyor belts and adjustable blades, where the cutting pitch is automatically controlled by servo mechanisms and movable guides, allowing for precise adjustment of slice thickness and weight without manual intervention, enabling consistent slicing of diverse food products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of blades is used, then the cutting pitch can be changed, but the production line must be halted and operator safety is at risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting pitch adjustmentVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic dynamic adjustment of blade positions through motorized actuators that respond to sensor feedback, allowing the cutting pitch to be changed without halting production. The system continuously monitors product dimensions and automatically adjusts blade spacing to maintain optimal cutting parameters throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of blade positions based on automatic detection of product characteristics. Sensors measure product dimensions and the control system autonomously calculates and implements the required blade positioning, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of blades is used, then the cutting pitch can be changed, but operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting pitch adjustmentVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system. Motorized actuators controlled by a microprocessor-based system substitute for manual blade positioning, eliminating direct operator contact with moving blades and associated safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of blades is used, then the cutting pitch can be changed, but training costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting pitch adjustmentVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If fixed blade positions are used, then production continuity is maintained, but slice weight consistency cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidslice weight uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop control system where sensors continuously measure product dimensions and slice weights, and the control system automatically adjusts blade positions based on this feedback. This ensures both continuous operation and consistent slice weight by dynamically optimizing cutting parameters throughout production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10875202B2Industrial slicer having automatic adjustment of the position of the blades

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 GRASSELLI SPA

AI summary

An industrial slicer (1) comprises a cutting station (T) that includes: a plurality of blades (21, 22, 23) for slicing a food product (2), the blades (21, 22, 23) being distanceable and nearable to one another in pairs at various reciprocal distances, so as to obtain slices having thicknesses corresponding to said distances; and adjustment means (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45) for adjusting said distances and comprising a plurality of adjustment devices (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) that are adapted to act upon respective blades (21, 22, 23), of which at least two of said devices can be activated independently of each other.