Slicing Device Gripper Positioning via Endless Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing devices face challenges in adapting the gripper position to varying food product sizes and have complex gripper drives, limiting their versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A slicing device featuring an endless belt that transports and presses the food product against a support, with a gripper arranged on the belt that can be moved perpendicularly to adjust its position relative to the belt, allowing for better adaptation to changing product heights and sizes, and a floating bearing to adjust the distance between the belt and gripper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional gripper drive system is used, then the gripper can grasp the food product, but the drive mechanism becomes complex and difficult to adjust for different product sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The endless belt serves dual functions: it transports the food product through the slicing mechanism and simultaneously carries the gripper to grasp and position the product. The belt's continuous motion and inherent flexibility provide the gripping action without requiring separate complex drive mechanisms, allowing automatic adaptation to different product sizes through simple belt position adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The endless belt performs multiple functions within a single component: product transport, gripper mounting and transport, and product positioning through pressing action. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated gripper drive systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various product dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripper position is fixed relative to the support, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to changing food product heights and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed gripper position to a dynamic positioning system where the endless belt can be moved perpendicular to its transport direction. This allows the gripper's vertical position to be adjusted dynamically to match different product heights, while the belt continues to provide stable horizontal transport and pressing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper positioning problem is solved by adding a perpendicular movement dimension to the endless belt. Instead of adjusting the gripper along the transport direction or vertically, the entire belt can be shifted perpendicular to its running direction, providing a new degree of freedom that simplifies adaptation to different product sizes while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If the endless belt continuously contacts the food product, then transport and pressing are effective, but the belt interferes with product loading and slicing of extended products
Solution Approach 1:
The endless belt's contact with the food product is made periodic rather than continuous. The belt presses and transports the product only during specific phases of the slicing cycle, then retracts or moves away to allow free loading of new products and to accommodate products that extend beyond the slicing zone. This periodic engagement maintains slicing efficiency while eliminating interference during loading and extended product handling.
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 flexible positioning of the gripper to accommodate different food sizes, simplifies the gripper drive, and improves the slicing process by allowing the endless belt to contact the food product only when necessary, enhancing the device's adaptability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
its surface facing the food product interacts with the endless belt via friction, form, and/or force engagement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a slicing device comprising a cutting blade that cuts slices from the front end of a food product. A means conveys the food product in the direction of the cutting blade and/or presses the food product against a support, and a gripper grips the rear end of the product. The invention further relates to a method for slicing a food product that rests on a support, is conveyed in the direction of a cutting blade, and enters in contact with a gripper at the rear end of the product.