Slicing Machine Gripper Parking Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-lane slicing machines face challenges in efficiently adjusting to changes in the number of tracks and track spacing, leading to significant downtime and hygiene risks due to the complexity of disconnecting and reconnecting supply lines for the gripper and upper product guide units.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a gripper carriage with parking gripper receptacles and a flexible supply line system that allows grippers to be moved from operating to parking positions without disconnecting supply lines, and a similar system for the upper product guide's pressure drives, enabling quick adjustments and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of tracks and/or track spacing changes, then the slicing machine can be adjusted to different configurations, but the grippers and upper product guides must be disconnected from supply lines which requires significant time and work
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper unit is divided into modular components (grippers, upper product guides) that can be independently removed and repositioned. Each module maintains its connection to the supply line system through flexible conduits, allowing segmented reconfiguration without complete disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply lines are designed with flexible segments that allow dynamic movement and repositioning of grippers and product guides. The flexible supply lines can accommodate changes in position and configuration while maintaining continuous connection, enabling rapid reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grippers are removed from the machine during track changes, then they can be repositioned, but they must be stored outside the machine under hygienic conditions which increases space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The supply line system serves multiple functions: it provides both operational connections during slicing and serves as a guide/rail system during reconfiguration. The same flexible supply lines that deliver utilities also guide the movement and positioning of gripper modules, eliminating the need for separate storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper modules can be nested or stacked in compact arrangements when not in use, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal footprint. The modules are designed to fit within or alongside the machine structure, minimizing external storage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supply lines are disconnected and reconnected during changeover, then the grippers can be repositioned, but this process represents a hygiene risk
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible supply lines are pre-routed and pre-positioned to accommodate anticipated reconfiguration scenarios. Connection points and guides are pre-established, allowing grippers to be moved along predetermined paths without requiring disconnection, thereby preventing hygiene contamination from open connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply line connections remain continuous throughout the reconfiguration process. The flexible conduits maintain unbroken connections between the stationary supply sources and the moving gripper modules, eliminating the discontinuity that would expose the system to contamination during disconnection and reconnection operations.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
To avoid having to remove grippers (14) not needed when changing the number of lanes from the machine (1) and disconnecting the supply lines (25.14), especially pneumatic lines – which would be very time-consuming due to hygiene regulations when reconnecting them later – the gripper not needed (14), or at least its base part (14B), ideally together with the gripper head (14K) attached to the base part (14B), is removed from the operating position and moved to a parked position without having to disconnect the supply lines (25.14). The same is optionally possible with the clamping units (51) of the PFOs (8), whose clamping drives (33) are also connected to supply lines (25.33), usually pneumatic lines.