Modular Slicing Machine Weighing Device with Bending Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines with integrated weighing units face issues such as inaccurate measurements due to floating support, contamination risks, and non-compliance with calibration standards, making them unsuitable for saleable fresh food products.
Innovation Solution
A modular slicing machine design with a separate, mechanically rigidly connected weighing device that can be calibrated and approved for sale, featuring a bending beam load carrier with a fixed and movable end, integrated into the machine housing, and equipped with a seal to prevent manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the weighing unit is mounted on a floating support in the housing or positioned next to the slicing machine, then the weighing unit can be integrated into the slicing machine, but the weighing result becomes inaccurate and the scale cannot be approved for sale
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device is separated from the slicing machine as an independent modular unit. The load carrier with bending beam is a distinct component that can be independently calibrated and approved, while still being integrated into the slicing machine housing. This segmentation allows the weighing function to meet precision requirements while maintaining integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
A load carrier with bending beam acts as an intermediary element between the load plate and the housing. The bending beam provides a stable, rigid connection that eliminates the floating support problem, while the load carrier structure serves as a mediator that can be independently calibrated and sealed to prevent contamination.
2Volume of moving object
If the weighing device is rigidly integrated into the slicing machine housing, then the design becomes compact, but the weighing apparatus becomes vulnerable to contamination and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device is nested within the slicing machine housing, with the load carrier and bending beam positioned inside the housing structure. The load plate extends into the delivery area while the sensitive weighing components remain protected inside. This nesting achieves compact design while the sealable structure protects against contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The load plate is designed as a removable, easily replaceable component that can be removed for cleaning or replacement. This allows the load-bearing surface that is exposed to contamination to be easily maintained, while the protected bending beam and electronics remain sealed and protected throughout the service life of the machine.
3Reliability
If the weighing device is made as a separate modular unit, then it can be calibrated and approved for sale, but the slicing machine requires additional space for the separate weighing device
Solution Approach 1:
The modular weighing device is merged with the slicing machine housing through rigid connection points. The load carrier integrates with the housing structure, and the bending beam is mechanically connected to provide stable support. This merging allows the separate weighing unit to be compactly integrated, minimizing additional space while maintaining calibration approval capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If an aperture is arranged in the delivery area for force application, then the load can be applied to the weighing device, but the aperture cannot be sealed and leads to force shunt and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying force from above through an aperture, the load is applied to the load plate which then transfers force through the bending beam structure. The force application point is inverted from the traditional aperture method to a surface load on the load plate, eliminating the need for unsealed apertures and preventing force shunt while maintaining ease of operation.
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
The solution provides a compact, hygienic, and expandable slicing machine with accurate weighing capabilities, meeting calibration standards and allowing for easy calibration and exchange of weighing devices, ensuring reliable and precise measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the load carrier comprises a bending beam with a fixed end and a moveable end
Data Source
AI summary
A slicing machine may include a machine housing, which holds a drive motor for driving a rotating slicing blade. The slicing blade separates individual slices from preferably elongated foodstuffs, wherein these slices are deposited in a delivery area of the slicing machine. In the delivery area, a weighing device is provided, which determines the weight of the separated slices. To ensure that the slicing machine can be universally employed while having a compact design, it is provided that the slicing machine is of modular design in that the weighing device is configured as a separate modular unit, which can optionally be mechanically rigidly connected to the machine housing or can be removed therefrom.