Variable-Width Forming Tube Cutting Machine for Loaf Slicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slicing machines struggle to handle varying dimensions of loaves and require complex mechanisms for slicing bony materials, leading to inefficiencies and increased machine size and cleaning difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine with a forming tube channel of variable width and adjustable cross press stamps, combined with a longitudinal press stamp adaptable to the forming tube's width, allows for flexible slicing of both elastic and bony materials using a single forming tube channel, facilitated by a cross press drive and longitudinal press drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a forming tube with variable cross section is used to handle different loaf dimensions, then the adaptability to different loaf sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple press stamps and adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The press stamp width is made dynamically adjustable through a lateral adjustment mechanism that allows the press stamp to be positioned at different widths. This dynamic adaptability enables the same press stamp to handle various loaf dimensions without requiring multiple fixed-width stamps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The press stamp is designed with universal functionality by making its width adjustable. A single press stamp can perform the function of multiple fixed-width stamps by adjusting its width to match different loaf dimensions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple forming tubes of different sizes are provided to handle various loaf cross sections, then the versatility for different loaf types is improved, but the machine size and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple forming tubes of different sizes, the invention uses a single forming tube with an adjustable press stamp that can adapt to different loaf cross sections. This universal approach allows one forming tube to perform the function of multiple fixed-size tubes, significantly reducing the machine's footprint and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple forming tubes into a single forming tube by combining the adjustment capability of the press stamp with the forming tube. This consolidation integrates what would have been separate components into one unified system, reducing the overall machine size while maintaining the ability to handle various loaf types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a toothed blade is used to cut bony material, then the cutting capability for bony contents is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional blade types and changing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blade type is made dynamically selectable through a blade change mechanism that allows switching between toothed and non-toothed blades based on the material being cut. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to handle both bony and non-bony materials using a single blade mounting position, reducing the complexity that would arise from having multiple fixed blade systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade system is designed with universal functionality by allowing the same blade mounting position to accommodate different blade types (toothed and non-toothed). This multi-functionality enables a single blade system to perform the cutting function for various materials, eliminating the need for separate dedicated blade systems and reducing overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple press stamps are provided for different loaf dimensions, then the adaptability to varying loaf sizes is improved, but the cleaning difficulty and time increase due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
By using a single adjustable press stamp instead of multiple fixed-width stamps, the invention reduces the number of components that need to be cleaned. The universal press stamp can be adjusted to fit different loaf sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized stamps and thereby simplifying the cleaning process to involve only one press stamp and one forming tube.
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
Enables versatile slicing of loaves with varying dimensions and materials, reducing machine size, simplifying cleaning, and ensuring precise slice thickness, while accommodating both elastic and bony contents efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
pressing not only in longitudinal direction but also in transverse direction of the loaf on a forming tube turret
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting machine for slicing a loaf into slices includes a forming tube channel extending in an axial direction, with an open longitudinal side and a channel cavity. A plurality of cross press stamps of different widths can each be inserted into the open longitudinal side of the forming tube channel for forming a forming tube having a rear end and a cutting end. The cutting machine further includes a cutting device with a blade arranged in front of the cutting end of the forming tube, and the blade is displaceable in a transverse direction relative to the forming tube. A width of the channel cavity of the forming tube channel is variable, and a cross press drive is provided for displacing a cross press stamp of the plurality of cross press stamps into the open longitudinal side of the forming tube channel in a first transverse direction.