Slicing and Portion Stacking With Automated Weight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to produce uniform large food portions with predefined weights due to variations in product composition, requiring manual adjustments and separate weight checks, which disrupts the automated process.
Innovation Solution
A system with a transport device and scale downstream of the portioning section to measure the weight of part portions and food portions, allowing for dynamic adjustments to ensure uniformity and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments and separate weight checks are performed to ensure uniform large food portions, then product quality consistency is improved, but production efficiency and automation level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback control system where a scale measures the weight of food portions formed by stacking part portions, and a control device adjusts the stacking process based on the measured weight. The control device receives weight information from the scale and automatically controls the stacking apparatus to add or remove part portions to achieve the target weight, eliminating manual weight checks and adjustments while maintaining portion uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the stacking apparatus autonomously forms food portions with precise weights. The control device automatically determines when to add or remove part portions based on scale measurements, allowing the system to self-regulate the portion formation process without manual intervention, thereby maintaining both high precision and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If manual corrections are performed to adjust food portion weights, then weight precision is improved, but process automation and continuous operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously receives weight measurements from the scale and automatically adjusts the stacking process in real-time. When the measured weight deviates from the target weight, the control device automatically triggers the addition or removal of part portions, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains precise weight control while keeping the process fully automated without manual corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments with an automated control system that uses electronic weight measurement and automated actuation. The control device substitutes human operators by automatically interpreting scale data and controlling the stacking apparatus, thereby maintaining measurement precision while achieving full process automation.
3Productivity
If high-performance slicers operate at high cutting speeds to achieve high product throughput, then productivity is improved, but the ability to perform subsequent weight checks and manual adjustments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains high cutting speeds while ensuring portion weight consistency through automated feedback control. The scale continuously measures the weight of formed portions, and the control device automatically adjusts the stacking process based on these measurements, compensating for any variations introduced by high-speed cutting without requiring manual intervention or slowing down the slicing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated weight verification and adjustment during the portion formation process itself. By integrating the scale and control device into the stacking apparatus, the system proactively ensures weight consistency before portions leave the production line, eliminating the need for subsequent manual weight checks and allowing high-speed slicing to continue uninterrupted.
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
Enables precise and automated weight control of part portions and food portions, reducing the need for manual corrections and ensuring consistent product quality.
Implementation Method 1
provision is made that the transport device and/or the stacking apparatus has a scale for measuring the weight of the part portions and/or of the food portion
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing food products comprises a slicing apparatus that is configured to cut off slices from food products and to form part portions having one or more slices in a portioning section. A transport device adjoining the portioning section is provided and the portioning section comprises a conveying device that transfers the part portions to the transport device. The system comprises a stacking apparatus that is configured to form a food portion comprising a plurality of part portions. The transport device is configured to transport the part portions onto a product support of the stacking apparatus, wherein the transport device and/or the stacking apparatus has/have a scale for measuring the weight of the part portions and/or of the food portion.