Slicing Device Stop Means for Varying Food Block Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance slicing devices struggle to efficiently handle food blocks of varying lengths, as existing stop mechanisms do not effectively manage the cutting process to prevent compression and ensure precise alignment of food slabs for uniform slicing.
Innovation Solution
A track-specific, shape-changing transport means with a variable roller and locking slide system that adjusts to accommodate different food block lengths, allowing for individualized stop and transport control to ensure proper alignment and cutting without compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed stop mechanism is used for all tracks, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate food blocks of varying lengths and prevents compression during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The stop means is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position between a retracted state (during transport) and a protruding state (during cutting). This dynamic adjustment enables the same mechanism to accommodate different food block lengths while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport means is designed to serve dual functions: transporting food blocks during the cutting process and acting as a stop means when needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stop mechanisms, reducing device complexity while improving adaptability to varying block lengths.
2Reliability
If the stop means protrudes into the transport path, then it effectively stops the food block for cutting, but it interferes with the transport of the food block
Solution Approach 1:
The stop means dynamically changes its position based on the operational phase: it protrudes into the transport path only when cutting is required, and retracts when transport is needed. This temporal separation of functions resolves the conflict between stopping reliability and transport ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop means operates periodically, alternating between protruding and retracted positions according to the cutting cycle. It protrudes to stop the food block at the moment of cutting, then retracts to allow uninterrupted transport, creating a rhythmic pattern that balances both requirements.
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
Enables efficient cutting of food blocks of varying lengths by ensuring the longest block is cut first, allowing grippers to handle ends without compression, and facilitating easy loading and unloading while maintaining precise alignment and cutting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the roller is surrounded by an elastic tube whose internal pressure can be changed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for cutting food slices (12) of at least one food product (2), especially sausage, ham and/or cheese, wherein a track is provided for each food product, along which it is transported by a means of transport (9) in the direction of a moving knife (11) which separates food slices (12) from the front end of the food product (2), an individual stop means (15, 17, 18) being provided for each track.