Multi-track Slicing Machine Gripper Slide Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines struggle to handle product calibers of significantly different lengths or varying slice thicknesses, as the grippers can only move a small distance relative to each other, limiting their ability to accommodate such variations without increasing moving mass or using drive motors.
Innovation Solution
A multi-track slicing machine with two parallel slide guides allows gripper slides to move independently along these guides, enabling controlled movement of grippers relative to each other, reducing manufacturing effort and maintaining low moving mass by using stationary drive sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If grippers are attached to a common gripper slide that moves synchronously, then the moving mass of the gripper assembly is kept low, but the grippers cannot move by large distances relative to each other to accommodate varying product lengths and slice thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The common gripper slide is divided into multiple independent gripper slides, each capable of independent movement along separate slide guides. This segmentation allows each gripper to be positioned independently according to the specific requirements of different product calibers, enabling handling of varying product lengths and slice thicknesses without requiring a complex synchronized movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, synchronized gripper movement mechanism to a dynamic configuration where each gripper slide can move independently along its own slide guide. This dynamic capability allows the grippers to adapt their positions based on the specific slicing requirements, improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple individual movement mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drive motors are added to each gripper to enable independent movement, then grippers can accommodate varying product requirements, but the moving mass of the gripper assembly increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A central drive mechanism serves as an intermediary that controls the movement of multiple gripper slides independently. Instead of equipping each gripper with its own drive motor, the central drive mechanism transmits motion through the slide guides, allowing independent positioning of each gripper while keeping the moving mass of individual grippers low.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide guides serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the gripper slides, define the movement paths, and transmit the driving force from the central drive mechanism to each gripper slide. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and keeps the overall system mass low while achieving independent gripper positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
In order that grippers on individual tracks of a multi-track slicing machine can be moved and controlled independently of one another, they are not all mounted on a same gripper slide guided on the only slide guide present. Instead, at least two slide guides may be present, each of which carries at least one gripper slide, which in turn either carries several grippers or several gripper slides.