Web Material Connecting Device for Continuous Slicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interleavers and underleavers in high-speed slicers face interruptions in operation when material supply is depleted, leading to suboptimal performance and increased manual intervention, which affects the quality and efficiency of slicing food products.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device is integrated into the slicing device to connect successive material webs, minimizing interruptions and enhancing performance by allowing automatic or manual switching between tracks and using a common connection device for multiple tracks, with options for clamping, vacuum, or pressure elements for holding the webs, and detection systems to manage connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual material roll changes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The material supply system is designed to automatically detect when a material roll is depleted and initiate the changeover process without human intervention. The system self-manages the transition between material rolls, eliminating the need for operators to manually stop the slicing operation and change materials.
Solution Approach 2:
A spare material roll is pre-positioned in a ready-to-use location within the material supply system. When the current roll is depleted, the system has already prepared the next roll in advance, enabling immediate replacement without interrupting the slicing operation. This preliminary positioning of backup material ensures continuous productivity.
2Productivity
If automated material roll changes are implemented, then productivity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material supply system combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: material storage, material detection, material changeover, and material feeding. By merging these functions into one cohesive system rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The material supply system is designed as a multi-functional unit that can handle different material rolls, detect their depletion, and perform automatic changeover. This universal design allows the same system structure to serve multiple purposes: storing material, monitoring material levels, executing changes, and feeding material to the slicing blade.
3Loss of time
If material supply is not continuously monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The material supply system incorporates a detection mechanism that continuously monitors material availability and provides feedback to the control system. When material is depleted, the detection system immediately signals the need for replacement, triggering the automated changeover process. This feedback loop eliminates delays by providing real-time information about material status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical material handling with automated detection systems and controlled changeover mechanisms. Sensors or detection devices monitor material levels, and automated mechanisms perform the replacement, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated ones that reduce interruption time.
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 solution reduces interruptions in the slicing process, increases the performance of high-speed slicers by ensuring continuous operation, and simplifies manual interventions, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of slicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting device (V) is integrated into the device (1) and is designed to connect successive material webs (19) on the way between the material supply (17) and the cutting area (50)
Implementation Method 2
at least one device for holding or fixing at least one of the material webs (19) is provided. In particular, this can ensure that the material webs (19) lie flat against or rest on the surface in the area of the joint to be made.
Implementation Method 3
means configured to detect and/or treat joints between successive webs of material (19) are provided
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for providing web-shaped interlayer material in a single or multi-lane configuration at a cutting area, in which single or multi-lane supplied products (11) are cut into slices (13) and interlayers (15) are inserted, which are separated from the provided interlayer material in the cutting area, with means for transporting at least one web of material (19) from a material supply to the cutting area, wherein a connecting device (V) integrated into the device is provided, which is designed to connect successive webs of material (19) to each other on the way between the material supply and the cutting area.