Slicing Machine Pressing Unit With Tool-Free Cleaning Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines in the food industry face challenges in cleaning and maintenance due to the disassembly of the longitudinal pressing unit, which often results in metal parts being left behind and compromising hygiene, especially when the unit is constructed from multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A slicing machine with a longitudinal pressing unit that includes a locking unit movable between locking and release positions, allowing tool-free disassembly for easy cleaning and maintenance, reducing the risk of metal parts being lost or contacting the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the longitudinal pressing unit is constructed from multiple parts to adapt to cross-sectional changes, then the adaptability to product dimensions is improved, but the cleaning process becomes more complex and time-consuming due to numerous gaps and spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal pressing unit is divided into a base body and a compensating section that can move relative to each other. The compensating section is segmented from the base body and can be disassembled independently, allowing thorough cleaning of previously difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining the adaptability to cross-sectional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating section is designed to be movable relative to the base body in the transverse direction, allowing dynamic adaptation to varying product dimensions. This dynamic structure, combined with the ability to disassemble the compensating section, resolves the contradiction between adaptability and cleaning complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the longitudinal pressing unit is disassembled for cleaning, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but metal parts may be left behind and compromise hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating section is extracted as a separate, removable component from the base body. This extraction allows the compensating section to be completely removed and cleaned separately, eliminating the risk of metal parts being left behind in gaps and spaces, while ensuring thorough cleaning of all surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating section is designed to be easily removable and reattachable by the operator without specialized tools or procedures. This self-service design ensures that cleaning can be performed completely and consistently, reducing the risk of metal parts being overlooked.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking unit is designed to securely hold the compensating section, then structural stability is improved, but disassembly requires tools and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is segmented into a locking element on the base body and a corresponding locking feature on the compensating section. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to provide secure structural stability during operation while enabling tool-free disassembly by simply moving the compensating section to release the locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between a locked state (providing structural stability) and an unlocked state (enabling easy disassembly). The locking unit moves between a locking position and a release position, facilitating both stable operation and simple maintenance.
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
Facilitates thorough cleaning and maintenance of the slicing machine by preventing metal parts from being left behind during disassembly, thereby enhancing hygiene compliance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the compensating section is movable in and counter to the transverse direction relative to a base body of the longitudinal pressing unit and is pretensioned in or counter to the transverse direction by means of a pretensioning device
Implementation Method 2
the locking unit is designed to limit, in the locking position, a movement of the compensating section caused by the pretensioning device relative to the base body
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c~1d
AI summary
The invention relates to a slicing machine (100) for slicing a product piece (P) into slices (S), comprising: a pressing device (102) which defines a pressing space (R) therein, wherein the pressing device (102) comprises a longitudinal pressing unit (104; 204; 304; 404) which is designed to control a dimension of the pressing space (R) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the product piece (P), and a transverse pressing unit (110) which is designed to control a dimension of the pressing space (R) in a transverse direction (Q) of the product piece (P) which is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L), and a cutting unit (126) which is designed to cut the product piece (P) into slices (S), wherein the longitudinal pressing unit (104; 204; 304; 404) has a compensating section (136; 236; 336; 436) which is movable relative to a base body (138; 238; 338; 438) of the longitudinal pressing unit (104; 204; 304; 404) and by means of a pretensioning device (150;250), wherein the longitudinal pressing unit (104; 204; 304; 404) further comprises a locking unit (140; 240; 340; 440) which is movable between a locking position and a release position, wherein the locking unit (140; 240; 340; 440) is designed to limit movement of the compensating section (136; 236; 336; 436) relative to the base body (138; 238; 338; 438) in the locking position, and the locking unit (140; 240; 340; 440) is displaceable from the locking position into the release position without the use of tools, in which the locking unit (140; 240; 340; 440) stops the movement the compensation section (136; 236; 336; 436) relative to the base body (138; 238; 338; 438) is not limited.;