Food Slicer Knife Removal Tool Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food product slicers have complex and expensive designs for removing and installing knives, which can lead to exposure of the knife's sharp edge and potential water ingress into the slicer's drive system.
Innovation Solution
A food product slicer knife with a circular body and a knife removal tool assembly featuring a base with water flow openings, a rotatable handle, and spring-loaded pins for secure engagement and removal of the knife, protecting the cutting edge and facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the knife is permanently mounted using screws with a complex removal tool, then the knife can be securely held in place, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The knife mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the knife body with integrated removal openings, the mounting hub with drive pins, and the removal tool with engaging pins. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is designed to serve multiple functions: it can remove the knife from the mounting hub, install the knife onto the mounting hub, and protect the cutting edge during handling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tools for each operation, reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the knife is removed using a complex tool design, then the knife can be securely held during removal, but the sharp cutting edge becomes exposed and water can flow into the drive system
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool acts as an intermediary between the user and the knife. It provides a protected pathway for removing the knife while its structure prevents direct exposure of the cutting edge. The tool's design includes features that block water flow during the removal process, protecting the drive system from water ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The knife is extracted from the mounting hub through a controlled process using the removal tool. The tool's structure allows the knife to be removed while maintaining protection over the cutting edge, and the extraction process is designed to prevent water from entering the drive system during removal.
3Reliability
If the knife is permanently mounted with screws, then the knife remains firmly attached, but the knife cannot be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The knife mounting system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The spring-loaded pins in the removal tool interact with the drive pins on the mounting hub, allowing the knife to be easily removed and reinstalled. This dynamic design maintains stable attachment during operation while enabling easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is designed to work with the existing mounting structure without requiring additional components or complex procedures. The spring-loaded pins automatically engage with the drive pins, and the user simply needs to insert the tool and rotate it to remove or install the knife. This self-service design makes maintenance easy while maintaining secure attachment during use.
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
Simplifies the knife installation and removal process, enhances safety by protecting the cutting edge, and allows for easier cleaning and maintenance by ensuring water flow around the knife.
Implementation Method 1
The base further includes at least one knife engaging pin that is biased upward from the handle side of the base but movable through an opening in the base for engaging and securing a knife to the knife receiving side of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A food product slicer knife includes a circular knife body with a peripheral cutting edge. A central opening passes through the knife body and includes a pair of diametrically opposed outwardly extending slots. The knife body also includes at least one set of diametrically opposed drive pin receiving openings spaced outwardly of the central opening and circumferentially offset from the diametrically opposed outwardly extending slots. A tool assembly is adapted to facilitate knife installation and removal and holds the knife when removed from a slicer. A food product slicer includes a knife mount hub adapted to cooperate with the knife to hold the knife on the slicer during operation.