Food Slicer Tray Interlock Using a Single Tension Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food slicers face challenges with complex and costly interlock mechanisms that require multiple control cables and unintuitive operation, particularly when preventing tray removal during cleaning or when the gauge plate is not in the home position.
Innovation Solution
A tension-only cable system is implemented between the tray mount and gauge plate indexing assembly, using a single cable with differential biases to ensure the tray cannot be removed unless the gauge plate is in the closed position, and the gauge plate cannot be adjusted when the tray is removed, simplifying the interlock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional interlock mechanism with multiple control cables is used, then the interlock function is reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential interlock function from a complex multi-cable system and implements it using a single cable with differential biases. The core interlocking logic is isolated and implemented through a simplified mechanical linkage that connects the gauge plate indexing assembly directly to the tray mount, eliminating unnecessary components while preserving the safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single cable system. The same cable that controls the gauge plate indexing also controls the tray removal interlock, eliminating the need for separate control cables. This consolidation reduces component count and assembly complexity while maintaining reliable interlock functionality.
2Reliability
If a traditional interlock mechanism with multiple control cables is used, then the interlock function is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential interlock function from an expensive multi-cable system and implements it using a single cable with differential biases. The core interlocking logic is isolated and implemented through a simplified mechanical linkage that connects the gauge plate indexing assembly directly to the tray mount, eliminating unnecessary components while preserving the safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single cable system. The same cable that controls the gauge plate indexing also controls the tray removal interlock, eliminating the need for separate control cables. This consolidation reduces component count and assembly complexity while maintaining reliable interlock functionality.
3Reliability
If the interlock operates throughout the entire stroke of the carriage, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interlock system that automatically adapts to the carriage position. The single cable with differential biases provides continuous interlock protection throughout the entire carriage stroke, transitioning between locked and unlocked states based on real-time gauge plate position and tray mount status, rather than requiring fixed-position sensors or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage provides continuous feedback between the gauge plate indexing assembly and tray mount. The differential biases in the cable system automatically sense the state of both components and adjust the interlock engagement accordingly, ensuring safety throughout the entire stroke without requiring additional control systems.
4Device complexity
If a simplified interlock with a single cable is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cable system by implementing differential biases at different locations along the single cable. This creates distinct tension thresholds that provide reliable mechanical interlocking through the entire carriage stroke, ensuring that the simplified system maintains the same functional reliability as complex multi-cable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic interlock system that automatically adapts to the carriage position. The single cable with differential biases provides continuous interlock protection throughout the entire carriage stroke, transitioning between locked and unlocked states based on real-time gauge plate position and tray mount status, rather than requiring fixed-position sensors or switches.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, intuitive interlock system that prevents unnecessary knife exposure during tray removal or cleaning, reducing assembly complexity and operational costs while maintaining safety.
Implementation Method 1
An interlock assembly is provided between the tray mount and the gauge plate indexing assembly, wherein the interlock assembly comprises a tension only cable system
Data Source
AI summary
A food product slicer includes a base, a knife mounted for rotation, and a carriage assembly mounted to the base for movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife, with a tray is removably connected to a tray mount of a tray arm. A movable gauge plate is provided for varying slice thickness, and a gauge plate indexing assembly is provided for moving the gauge plate between a closed position and multiple open positions. An interlock assembly is provided between the tray mount and the gauge plate indexing assembly, wherein the interlock assembly comprises a tension only cable system that is configured to (i) prevent removal of the tray from the tray mount unless the gauge plate is in the closed position and (ii) prevent movement of the gauge plate out of the closed position when the tray is removed from the tray mount.