Slicing Machine Carriage Locking Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines require manual operation to release the carriage pivot bearing, making it difficult to handle heavy carriages safely and hygienically, especially during cleaning, where the risk of injury is high due to the need to manage the carriage and the blade simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An electrically or electromagnetically operable actuator is integrated into the locking device to automatically release the carriage pivot bearing, allowing for controlled unlocking without the need for an additional hand, and is linked to conditions such as stopping the blade motor and positioning a stop plate to enhance safety and hygiene during cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual locking device is used for the carriage pivot bearing, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the carriage is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical locking device with an electrically or electromagnetically operable actuator. This substitution allows the locking mechanism to be controlled remotely or automatically, eliminating the need for manual operation of the locking device itself. The actuator can be integrated into the locking device structure, maintaining relative simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation for heavy carriages.
2Reliability
If the carriage is swivelled out manually during cleaning, then no additional equipment is needed, but the safety deteriorates due to risk of injury from the slicing blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the stop plate to be positioned in front of the slicing edge and the drive motor to be stopped before the locking device is released. This sequence ensures that the slicing blade is covered and stationary before the carriage can be swivelled out, preventing accidental contact with the blade. The control system enforces this sequence, making safety a prerequisite for operation rather than an optional feature.
3Productivity
If the locking device is released manually, then the operation is simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to the need for additional hand operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the locking device to be released automatically through the actuator without requiring manual intervention. The system can be triggered by a single hand operation or even automatically based on predefined conditions, freeing the operator's hands for other tasks such as guiding the carriage or maintaining hygiene. This significantly improves productivity by eliminating the need to use one hand for locking operations.
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 enables safe and convenient operation of slicing machines with heavy carriages by allowing automatic unlocking of the carriage for cleaning, reducing the risk of injury and improving hygiene by ensuring the blade is covered and stationary during cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device has an electrically or electromagnetically operable actuator for releasing the carriage pivot bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A slicing machine may include a carriage that can be swiveled out with a supporting plate for supporting product to be sliced, wherein a locking device locks the supporting plate releasably in the slicing position. In order to make simple operation of the slicing machine possible accompanied by a high level of operating safety, the locking device has an electrically or electromagnetically operable actuator for releasing the carriage pivot bearing.