Small Cutting Wheel Suspension for Smear-Free Dough Sheet Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dough cutting technologies, such as rotating knives and cutting wheels, suffer from smearing and creating irregularities in dough products due to unsuitable cutting patterns and sharp edges, particularly when cutting complex shapes.
Innovation Solution
A cutting wheel with a diameter less than 40 mm, an angle of engagement between 35 to 75 degrees, and a vertical speed component for a sharper cut, combined with a quick-release mechanism and suspension system allowing direction change, minimizes damage and irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cutting wheels are used, then dough can be cut, but the dough edges become smeared and irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of cutting wheel diameter from conventional sizes to less than 40 mm (preferably 20-30 mm). This parameter change creates a smaller contact area and different engagement geometry with the dough, resulting in cleaner cuts without smearing while maintaining cutting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical speed component to the cutting wheel's motion by suspending it above the conveyor belt at a specific distance. This adds a vertical dimension to the cutting action, allowing the wheel to engage the dough at an optimized angle that prevents smearing while maintaining cutting efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cutting wheel diameter is reduced to less than 40 mm, then cut sharpness improves, but the wheel must be precisely positioned above the conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting wheel is passively driven by friction with the moving conveyor belt rather than requiring an active drive mechanism. This self-service approach simplifies the suspension system while maintaining precise positioning, as the wheel naturally follows the conveyor's motion and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system serves multiple functions: it positions the cutting wheel at the optimal distance above the conveyor, allows passive driving through friction, and enables the wheel to follow conveyor movements. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving precise cutting.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cutting wheel is suspended closer to the conveyor, then cutting engagement improves, but the wheel cannot accommodate varying dough thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting wheel is suspended at a dynamic distance from the conveyor belt (at least half the wheel's diameter minus 2 mm from the touching point to the suspension), allowing the wheel to engage the dough effectively while maintaining adaptability. This dynamic positioning enables the wheel to accommodate varying dough thicknesses while preserving sharp cutting engagement.
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 sharper cuts with reduced edge damage and irregularities, enabling complex pattern cutting on dough sheets without smearing, suitable for various dough thicknesses and types.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cutting wheel, suspended above the conveyor belt, such that the circumference of the wheel touches a transporting surface of the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 2
The cutting wheel may be passively driven, that is, rotatable by means of friction with the conveyor belt in a transport direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for cutting a dough sheet on a substrate, in particular a conveyor, comprising a conveyor belt, for transporting the dough sheet in a transport direction, at least one cutting wheel, suspended above the conveyor belt, such that the circumference of the wheel touches a transporting surface of the conveyor belt, wherein the wheel has a diameter and a horizontal axis of rotation, which horizontal axis of rotation is beared in the suspension and wherein the diameter of the wheel is less than 40 mm, more preferably less than 30 mm, and even more preferably less than 20 mm.