Abstract:Aiming to address the issues of poor slicing quality and frequent breakage in sweet potato strip cutting machines, a segmented sweet potato strip cutter that integrated slicing and strip cutting functionalities was developed. The mechanical and kinematic processes involved in sweet potato slicing and strip cutting were analyzed, leading to the design of a linear reciprocating slicer, a circular blade disk strip cutter, and associated feeding and conveying devices, with key structural parameters identified. Experiments were conducted by using crank speed and strip cutting speed as variables, and breakage rate and section smoothness as metrics. A second-order regression orthogonal rotational composite design was employed for strips with cross-sections of 12 mm×12 mm and 24 mm×24 mm. Variance analysis was performed by using Design-Expert software, and response surface analysis was used to determine the effects of interaction factors on the metrics. Optimal experimental conditions were identified and validated. The results indicated that for 12 mm×12 mm strips, crank speed had a more significant impact on breakage rate, while strip cutting speed more heavily influenced section smoothness. The optimal quality was achieved at a crank speed of 16.40 r/min and a strip cutting speed of 131.30 m/s, resulting in an 8.34% breakage rate and 95.94% section smoothness. For 24 mm×24 mm strips, strip cutting speed was the predominant factor affecting both breakage rate and section smoothness. The best quality was observed at a crank speed of 44.10 r/min and a strip cutting speed of 183.10 m/s, with a breakage rate of 5.63% and section smoothness of 91.19%, meeting the technical requirements.
