Stationary Knife Coating Cutter for Frozen Confections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cutting gel coatings on frozen confections, especially on industrial production lines, face challenges such as mechanical stress, difficulty in applying multiple cut lines evenly around cylindrical products, and issues with products sticking or breaking during the cutting process.
Innovation Solution
A combination of statically fixed side knives and a gripper with a locking mechanism, along with a warming step to soften the gel coating, allows for efficient cutting of gel coatings on frozen confections, preventing mechanical stress and ensuring even distribution of cut lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If moving cutting mechanisms are used to apply cut lines to frozen confections, then cut lines can be applied to products, but mechanical stress is imposed on the production line and products may break or stick during cutting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the cutting mechanism towards the product, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the cutting mechanism stationary and moving the product through it. The product is conveyed on a conveyor belt through the stationary cutting blades, eliminating mechanical stress on both the production line and products while maintaining effective cutting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a conveyor belt as an intermediary element between the cutting mechanism and the products. The conveyor belt facilitates product movement through the stationary cutting blades, enabling the cutting process without direct mechanical contact between the cutting mechanism and products, thereby preventing breakage and sticking
2Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical installations are used to apply multiple cut lines evenly around cylindrical products, then multiple cut lines can be applied, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting mechanism is segmented into multiple independent stationary blade assemblies arranged around the conveyor path. Each blade assembly is independently positioned to create specific cut line patterns on cylindrical products as they pass through, allowing multiple precise cut lines without complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane cutting approach to a three-dimensional arrangement where multiple stationary blade assemblies are positioned at different locations and angles around the conveyor path. This spatial distribution enables even cut line application around cylindrical products by utilizing the third dimension (vertical and radial positioning) rather than complex mechanical movements
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
This solution enables smooth and efficient cutting of gel coatings, reducing product breakage and mechanical stress, while allowing for precise application of multiple cut lines around cylindrical products, enhancing the peeling experience for consumers.
Implementation Method 1
preparing the product for the cutting by heating the coating of the frozen confection to soften it
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coating cutting tool for frozen confection comprising a frame defining a product void for receiving a product at least partly coated, a set of side knives comprising at least two knives mounted on the frame opposite of the product the void, wherein the knives are fixed on the frame. The invention also relates to a method for cutting the coating comprising softening the coating to allow cutting of the coating and holding the product so that sufficient pressure can be exerted during cutting.