Food Slicer Tray Arm Auto-Locking for Fast Cleaning Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food slicers require time-consuming and multi-step operations to lock and unlock the tray arm for tilting, which complicates cleaning and sanitation processes.
Innovation Solution
A releasable locking assembly for the tray arm that automatically locks or unlocks based on the tray arm's position, allowing quick and intuitive adjustment between operating and cleaning positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw/bolt is used to lock the tray arm, then the tray arm can be securely locked, but the locking and unlocking operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly automatically locks the tray arm when it is moved to the operating position and automatically unlocks when moved to the cleaning position. The system serves itself by using the tray arm's movement to trigger the locking/unlocking action, eliminating the need for manual screwing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component is pre-positioned and spring-biased to engage with the mount part. When the tray arm is moved to the operating position, the locking component is already in place to immediately secure the arm, rather than requiring a manual locking action after positioning.
2Reliability
If a screw/bolt is used to lock the tray arm, then the tray arm can be securely locked, but the operation becomes multi-step and non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the locking function based on the tray arm's position. The operator simply moves the tray arm to the desired position, and the locking assembly handles the securing action automatically, making the operation intuitive and single-step.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the operator to manually engage a locking mechanism after positioning the tray arm, the invention inverts the sequence: the tray arm's movement itself triggers the locking action. The system responds to the operator's intent (moving the arm) by automatically providing the locking function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a screw is used for locking, then three stages (locked, unlocked, intermediate) are possible, but intermediate states create tray movement risk during slicing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional screw locking approach by eliminating intermediate states. The spring-biased locking component is designed to be fully engaged or fully disengaged based on tray arm position, preventing partial locking states that could allow tray movement during operation.
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
Facilitates faster and more efficient cleaning and sanitation by reducing the steps required to secure the tray arm, minimizing the risk of tray movement during slicing, and ensuring secure locking without intermediate states.
Implementation Method 1
a locking component that is biased away from the knob by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A food product slicer includes a base, a knife mounted for rotation relative to the base and a carriage assembly mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife. The carriage includes a tray atop a tray arm, and the tray arm is pivotably connected to a mount part of a carriage transport. A releasable locking assembly holds the tray arm in an operating position on the mount part and release of the locking assembly enables the tray arm to pivot to a cleaning position. The locking assembly is configured such that, when the tray arm is moved from the cleaning position to the operating position, the tray arm locking assembly automatically locks the tray arm to prevent the tray arm from pivoting from the operating position to the cleaning position.