Spreading Device for Offset Partial Web Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing devices require multiple separate intermediate sheet feeds for parallel multi-lane slicing, which is material-intensive and inflexible, as each interleaving sheet feed must be provided multiple times, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A spreading device that divides an incoming material web into offset partial webs, allowing for independent feeding and adjustable offset, enabling flexible and efficient use of intermediate sheets across multiple tracks without the need for multiple separate feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate intermediate sheet feeds are used for parallel multi-lane slicing, then each track can be supplied with intermediate sheets independently, but the device complexity and material consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The single material web is divided into multiple partial webs using cutting devices, with each partial web being assigned to a specific track. This segmentation allows independent feeding of each track while using a single source material web, thereby reducing the number of required feed components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple intermediate sheet feed functions are merged into a single spreading device that handles one material web and distributes it to multiple tracks. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining the capability to supply each track independently.
2Reliability
If multiple separate intermediate sheet feeds are provided for each track, then sheet supply is reliable for each lane, but material waste increases due to separate processing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple intermediate sheets that would otherwise be processed separately through individual feed systems are merged into a single continuous material web. This web is then divided into partial webs, reducing overall material consumption while ensuring reliable supply to each track through coordinated feeding mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a single material web is divided into multiple partial webs, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to feed different speeds and pause times to individual tracks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spreading device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow each partial web to be fed at different speeds and with different pause times according to the specific requirements of each track. This dynamic control is achieved through adjustable feeding mechanisms that can independently regulate the motion of each partial web despite their common origin.
4Device complexity
If the offset between partial webs is fixed, then the spreading device structure is simplified, but the flexibility to adapt to different track spacing requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spreading device incorporates adjustable mechanisms that enable dynamic modification of the offset between partial webs. This allows the device to adapt to different track spacing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that can be configured for various applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
The spreading device (30) has a cutting unit which divides the incoming material web (26) into partial web portions (32). The deflection units deflect the partial web portions into opposite directions. The displacement of partial web portions is adjusted by changing the angle between the axis of deflection unit and course direction of web material. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) sheet feeder; (2) food product cutting device such as high performance slicer; and (3) food product conveying device such as sorting and/or conveyor device.