System for cutting products, controller therefor, method for cutting products and computer program product implementing same

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting technologies face challenges in optimizing both centrifugal force and cutting velocity simultaneously, often requiring a trade-off that can result in suboptimal processing conditions for products like potato chips, leading to excess friction, compression, or poor knife engagement.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a dual drive mechanism system, where the impeller and cutting head can rotate at independent speeds, allowing for separate control of centrifugal force and cutting velocity, enabling optimization for a wide range of products and minimizing miscuts and product damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the impeller rotational speed is increased to optimize centrifugal force, then the centrifugal force is improved, but the cutting velocity becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentrifugal forceVSAvoidcutting velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into two independent mechanisms: one driving the impeller and another driving the cutting head. This allows separate optimization of centrifugal force (via impeller speed) and cutting velocity (via cutting head speed), resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting head is made dynamically adjustable with an independent variable speed drive, allowing its rotational speed to be optimized separately from the impeller speed. This dynamic control enables simultaneous optimization of both centrifugal force and cutting velocity according to specific product requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the impeller rotational speed is decreased to optimize cutting velocity, then the cutting velocity is improved, but the centrifugal force becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting velocityVSAvoidcentrifugal force

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into two independent mechanisms: one driving the impeller and another driving the cutting head. This allows separate optimization of centrifugal force (via impeller speed) and cutting velocity (via cutting head speed), resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting head is made dynamically adjustable with an independent variable speed drive, allowing its rotational speed to be optimized separately from the impeller speed. This dynamic control enables simultaneous optimization of both centrifugal force and cutting velocity according to specific product requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single drive mechanism is used for both impeller and cutting head, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently optimize centrifugal force and cutting velocity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive mechanism complexityVSAvoidoptimization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into two independent mechanisms: one driving the impeller and another driving the cutting head. This allows separate optimization of centrifugal force (via impeller speed) and cutting velocity (via cutting head speed), resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual drive mechanism system provides multi-functionality by enabling independent control of impeller speed for centrifugal force optimization and cutting head speed for cutting velocity optimization, making the apparatus adaptable to various products with different requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach allows for independent optimization of centrifugal force and cutting velocity, reducing product damage and miscuts, and enabling uniform cutting performance across various products, including potato chips, at higher temperatures without the need for excessive cooling.

Implementation Method 1

an impeller which can rotate concentrically within a cutting head to impart centrifugal force to the products to be cut

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS9855668B2System for cutting products, controller therefor, method for cutting products and computer program product implementing same

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 PALM

AI summary

A system comprising a plurality of apparatuses for cutting products, comprising: a base; a cutting head with at least one cutting element along the circumference of the cutting head for cutting products fed into the cutting head, the cutting head being rotatably fitted to the base; an impeller adapted for rotating concentrically within the cutting head to urge products fed into the cutting head towards the circumference of the cutting head by means of centrifugal force; a first drive mechanism for driving the rotation of the impeller at a first rotational speed setting the centrifugal force; and a second drive mechanism for driving the rotation of the cutting head at a second rotational speed, determined such with respect to the first rotational speed that the product is cut by the at least one cutting element at a predetermined cutting velocity; and a controller for controlling said apparatuses.