Slicer Product Holder with Segmented Spikes for Low-Waste Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product holders for slicers result in a significant production loss due to a large pivoting radius of claws, leading to an unusable end piece that cannot be processed.
Innovation Solution
The product holder is designed with multiple spikes on mandrel supports, which can have varying angles of attack, lengths, and widths, and is equipped with movable mandrel holders and combs to ensure secure holding and minimal penetration, allowing for efficient ejection of residual product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If claws with large pivoting radius are used to securely hold the product, then the product is held stably, but the end piece size increases causing production loss
Solution Approach 1:
The single large claw is segmented into multiple smaller spikes arranged in a pattern. Each spike penetrates the product deeply but with small individual displacement, collectively providing secure holding while minimizing the overall end piece size. The segmentation allows the holding function to be distributed across multiple points rather than one large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the holding elements from large pivoting radius claws to multiple small spikes with specific penetration depths. The spikes have controlled lengths and angles that optimize penetration into the product while minimizing the remaining end piece, transforming the holding mechanism to achieve both security and material efficiency.
2Loss of substance
If multiple spikes are used to minimize end piece size, then production loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel support structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface for multiple spikes, defines their angular orientation, and enables their coordinated movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each spike, simplifying the overall device while maintaining the ability to minimize end piece waste through optimized spike geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The spikes are designed to move dynamically in coordination with the mandrel support, allowing them to penetrate the product and then retract or adjust position as needed. This dynamic capability enables the multiple spikes to work together seamlessly, providing secure holding with minimal end piece without requiring complex static structures for each individual spike.
Data Source
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AI summary
Product holder (5), particularly for goods to be sliced with a slicer (1), wherein the product holder (5) is provided with a plurality of mandrels (10, 10a). A comb (9) is provided between two mandrel supports (8, 8a). The product (4) is ejected by a movement of adjacent mandrel holders (8, 8a) counter to a combing movement.