Slicing Device with Movable Cutting Head for Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slicing devices face difficulties in achieving flexible cutting position definition and easy access to the cutting blade, as they are permanently fixed to the base, making blade replacement and cleaning cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

The slicing device incorporates a transfer device that allows it to move between a cutting state where it is fixed to the base and a transfer state where it is detached, enabling precise positioning and easy access for maintenance or replacement, using swivel arms and a magnetic or vacuum-based fixing device for secure attachment during cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cutting device is permanently fixed to the base, then cutting stability is improved, but access to the cutting blade becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting stabilityVSAvoidblade accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device transitions from a static permanently fixed state to a dynamic state where it can be moved between a cutting position (fixed to base) and a transfer position (detached from base). This dynamic capability allows the device to achieve both cutting stability during operation and easy blade accessibility during maintenance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the cutting device is fixed to the base, then cutting precision is improved, but blade replacement becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidblade replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device can dynamically switch between a fixed cutting state for precise cutting operations and a detached transfer state for easy blade replacement. This dynamic positioning capability eliminates the need for complex permanent fixation mechanisms while maintaining cutting precision, thereby improving both manufacturing precision and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the cutting device is permanently attached, then structural stability is improved, but cleaning becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device can be moved from a permanently attached state to a detachable state, allowing easy access for cleaning operations. When cleaning is required, the device is transferred to the transfer position where it can be easily cleaned, and then returned to the cutting position for stable operation. This dynamic capability maintains structural stability during cutting while enabling easy cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If the cutting device is fixed in position, then cutting position accuracy is improved, but flexibility in position adjustment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting position accuracyVSAvoidposition adjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device implements dynamic positioning by allowing movement between a fixed cutting state (for high position accuracy) and a movable transfer state (for flexible position adjustment). This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different cutting requirements while maintaining precise positioning during actual cutting operations, thereby improving both measurement precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for precise cutting position adjustment, easy maintenance, and replacement of the cutting blade, maintaining high hygienic and ergonomic standards while ensuring the device is securely fixed during cutting operations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic device (34), in particular electromagnet, is provided for fixing the cutting device (10) to the base (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

at least one vacuum holder (34) is provided for fixing the cutting device (10) to the base (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum pressure: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3124189B1Slicing device
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 WEBER FOOD TECHNOLOGY SE & CO KG
  • EP3124189B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3124189B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3124189B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for slicing food products, in particular high-performance slicers, comprising at least one slicing device with a rotary and/or planetary rotating cutting blade and a drive for the cutting blade, a base for the slicing device that is stationary with respect to a cutting area, and a transfer device for moving the slicing device relative to the base between a cutting state in which the slicing device is fixed to the base and a transfer state in which the slicing device is detached from the base, or a transfer device for moving the slicing device relative to the base between a cutting position and a non-cutting position located outside the cutting area.