Water Jet Cutting for Leeks with Optical Positioning
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for cutting elongate natural products like leeks are not precise, leading to additional manual processing and contamination issues due to the use of rotary circular knives, which become blunt quickly and affect product quality and shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A device with a feed conveyor, position detector, cutting position determining unit, and a cutting unit with a displacing mechanism and water jet cutting capability, allowing for precise determination and execution of the cutting position based on the transition between the soft and hard portions of each natural product, reducing the need for manual processing and minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotary circular knives are used for cutting, then cutting can be performed continuously, but the knives become blunt quickly and contaminate the cut surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary circular knife system with a water jet cutting system. The water jet cutter uses high-pressure water to sever the root portion, eliminating mechanical contact between the cutting tool and the product. This substitution prevents blade dulling from sand particles and eliminates contamination of the cut surface, while maintaining continuous cutting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using a high-pressure water jet for cutting. The water jet system utilizes pressurized fluid to perform the cutting function, replacing mechanical blades. This hydraulic approach allows continuous operation without the wear and contamination issues associated with mechanical rotary knives.
2Extent of automation
If mechanical stops are used to position leeks, then positioning can be performed automatically, but the cutting position cannot be determined precisely enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical detection elements to detect the outline and position of each leek before the cutting operation. This preliminary detection allows the system to determine the precise cutting position for each individual product, taking into account variations in size and shape, thereby achieving high cutting position accuracy while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through optical detection elements that continuously monitor the position and outline of leeks on the conveyor belt. This feedback information is used by the control unit to adjust and determine the precise cutting position for each product, ensuring accurate cutting while maintaining automated operation.
3Ease of operation
If leeks are placed randomly on conveyor belt, then feeding can be simplified, but additional manual processing is required due to imprecise cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows leeks to be placed randomly on the conveyor belt without requiring precise initial positioning. The optical detection elements automatically detect each leek's position and outline, and the control unit calculates the appropriate cutting position based on this detected information. This self-adjusting capability maintains feeding simplicity while eliminating the need for additional manual processing through precise automated cutting.
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 precise cutting of each natural product without additional manual processing, maintaining product quality and appearance by using a water jet cutter that does not become blunt and reduces contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
the cutting unit comprises a water jet cutter configured to cut the natural product at the cutting position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6E
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cutting elongate natural products provided with roots, comprising: - a feed conveyor (2) configured to transport the natural products; - a position detector (40) configured to detect the respective transverse positions of the outer ends of the relatively hard product portions of the passing natural products; - a cutting position determining unit for determining the different desired cutting positions of the natural products subject to the detected transverse positions of the outer ends of the natural products; - a cutting unit (50) configured to cut the natural products transported therealong, wherein the cutting unit (50) comprises: - a cutting element (51) for cutting one or more natural products; - a displacing mechanism (52) on which the cutting element (51) is arranged, wherein the displacing mechanism (52) is configured to displace the cutting element (51) in transverse direction to the respective cutting position for cutting a passing natural product.