Tomato dicing assembly and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting tomatoes into uniform cubes in a home kitchen setting is inefficient and often results in random configurations due to the lack of effective slicing devices designed for domestic use.
Innovation Solution
A tomato dicing assembly comprising three concentric tubular components: a cutting guide member, a support member, and a spike tube member, which work together to hold and slice a tomato into consistent cubes using multiple spikes and cutting slots, allowing for sequential slicing actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional slicing methods are used, then the process is simple and requires no special device, but the cutting results in random configurations and non-uniform pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three separate tubular components (outer tube with first cutting slots, middle tube with second cutting slots, and inner tube with spikes) that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and enabling precise uniform cutting through coordinated action of the segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The three tubular components are nested within each other (inner tube within middle tube within outer tube) when not in use, creating a compact storage form. This nesting principle maintains device simplicity by reducing space requirements while preserving all cutting functions for achieving uniform tomato cubes.
2Productivity
If manual slicing without guidance is used, then no special equipment is needed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the tomato on spikes and providing pre-aligned cutting slots at specific orientations. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for repeated positioning and measurement during slicing, significantly increasing dicing speed while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The slicing process follows a periodic pattern where the tomato is sliced along four predetermined paths (first and second cutting slots at different orientations), with each cycle producing a set of uniform cubes. This periodic action increases productivity by establishing a repeatable efficient cutting rhythm.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple slicing actions are performed manually, then no special device is required, but the sliced portions fall in all directions resulting in random configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting slots are arranged asymmetrically in space (first cutting slots in one orientation, second cutting slots perpendicular to them) to achieve symmetric uniform cubes. This asymmetric arrangement of cutting paths within the device structure ensures that tomato pieces fall in a controlled manner rather than randomly, while the operation remains straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube with spikes acts as an intermediary that holds the tomato firmly in position during slicing. This intermediary component prevents the tomato from moving or rotating during the cutting process, ensuring uniform cubes while requiring minimal operational skill from the user.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional slicing is used, then the process continues until consumer satisfaction is reached, but uniform cubed tomato pieces are usually not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous useful action by providing four pre-aligned cutting slots that can be utilized in sequence without repositioning the tomato or device. This continuous slicing action through predetermined paths ensures uniform cubes are achieved in a single efficient operation rather than through repeated trial-and-error slicing.
Solution Approach 2:
All cutting paths are preliminarily established through the fixed positioning of cutting slots and spikes before the slicing begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that every slice produces uniform cubes, eliminating the need for extended slicing time to achieve consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A tomato dicing assembly and method for making tomato cubes from a tomato includes a cutting guide member, support member, and spike tube member that each has a tubular shape configuration that fit together concentrically. The cutting guide member includes a tubular wall extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends, the cutting guide member including a cutting member defining a plurality of first cutting slots and body section defining second cutting slots transverse to the plurality of first cutting slots. The support member includes a continuous side wall defining having a closed upper end defining a plurality of holes spaced apart in a predetermined pattern and an open lower end. The spike tube member has a closed top including a plurality of spikes extending outwardly and are received through the plurality of holes when the spike tube member is received into the support member.