Variable Tare Weight Determination in Food Slicing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing systems face challenges in accurately determining the weight of food products within packaged portions due to variations in packaging components, leading to potential over or undercharging of food products.
Innovation Solution
A food processing system that incorporates a controller to dynamically determine a variable tare value based on operating data, including the weight of intermediate sheet material and packaging components, allowing for precise calculation of the food product weight by adjusting the tare value during the cutting and packaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a constant tare value is used for packaging, then the system is simple to operate, but the weight determination accuracy deteriorates when packaging components vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tare value adjustment mechanism where the control system automatically modifies the tare value based on detected packaging components. The system transitions from static constant tare values to dynamic variable tare values that adapt in real-time to different packaging configurations, thereby maintaining high measurement precision without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect packaging components and feed this information back to the control system. The control system processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the tare value accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes weight determination accuracy based on actual packaging conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the tare value is adjusted manually for each packaging type, then the weight determination accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where the control system automatically determines and adjusts the tare value without requiring manual intervention. The sensors detect packaging components and the control system autonomously calculates the appropriate tare value, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust settings for different packaging types while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of tare values with an automated electronic control system. Instead of operators physically adjusting dial settings or entering values manually, the system uses sensors and electronic processing to automatically determine and apply the correct tare value, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the tare value is adjusted frequently during slicing, then the weight determination accuracy is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to additional processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous operation by automatically adjusting tare values without interrupting the slicing process. The control system processes packaging detection data and modifies tare values in real-time during continuous slicing operation, eliminating the need to stop production for tare adjustments while maintaining accurate weight determination throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tare adjustment operations with automated electronic control that operates at the speed of the slicing process. The electronic system can process and adjust tare values instantaneously based on sensor input, eliminating the time-consuming manual intervention that would otherwise interrupt production and reduce productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a food processing system comprising a food slicer 1 configured to slice food products 4 into food portions 11, a packaging machine 17 configured to package the complete food portions 11, and at least one weighing device 12, 20. The food slicer 1 and/or the packaging machine 17 are configured to combine the food portions 11 with a variable packaging component 7, 9, 22. The weight of each food portion 11, comprising the variable packaging component 7, 9, 22, can be determined by means of the at least one weighing device 12, 20. A control system 10, 13, 21, 23 is configured to determine a variable tare value, corresponding to the weight of the variable packaging component 7, 9, 22, based on operating data.The invention further relates to a method for processing food products.