Food Slicing Control Using Upstream Product Caliber Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines require costly and maintenance-intensive scanning and weighing devices to determine product caliber parameters, which is undesirable and can impact slicing results.
Innovation Solution
A slicing machine that controls the feed and cutting units based on product caliber parameters acquired by a separate processing apparatus, such as a pressing apparatus, upstream of the slicing machine, eliminating the need for redundant scanning and weighing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If scanning devices and weighing devices are installed at the slicing machine to determine product caliber parameters, then slicing precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the slicing machine by using a separate processing apparatus (pressing apparatus) to determine product caliber parameters. The slicing machine only receives these parameters via data connection, eliminating the need for integrated scanning and weighing devices while maintaining slicing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing apparatus serves multiple functions: it both processes the product caliber (pressing) and performs measurement (determining external dimensions, volume, weight, density). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement devices at the slicing machine.
2Manufacturing precision
If scanning devices and weighing devices are installed at the slicing machine to determine product caliber parameters, then slicing precision is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the measurement function to a separate processing apparatus, the patent eliminates maintenance requirements for scanning and weighing devices at the slicing machine. The processing apparatus, being upstream and separate, can be maintained independently without affecting the slicing machine operation.
3Measurement precision
If redundant scanning and weighing devices are installed at the slicing machine, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing apparatus performs both processing and measurement functions, eliminating the need for redundant measurement devices. This reduces overall system cost while maintaining measurement accuracy through the integrated approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the processing and measurement functions into a single processing apparatus upstream of the slicing machine. This combination eliminates redundant devices and reduces cost while maintaining measurement accuracy through the integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a slicing machine for slicing foods, comprising: a feed unit adapted to feed at least one product caliber in a feed direction, a cutting unit, and a control unit adapted to control at least the feed unit and the cutting unit. The control unit is adapted to be in signal connection with a processing apparatus separate from the slicing machine. The processing apparatus is adapted to process the product caliber before it is sliced by the slicing machine. The control unit is further adapted to receive at least one dimension and/or a weight and/or a density of the at least one product caliber or data representative thereof from the processing apparatus and to control the feed unit and/or the cutting unit based on the at least one dimension and/or the weight and/or the density. The disclosure relates further to a system and to a method.