About CuttingBoard+

Average Americans spend over 30 minutes a day "in food preparation and cleanup" (USDA). Much of the time spent in food preparation is cutting and slicing foods. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to cut foods properly. Further, knife-related injuries account for over 400,000 Emergency Department treatments each year (Journal of Emergency Medicine).  As part of a Mechanical Engineering Senior Design project, we sought to improve the kitchen experience by making cutting food safer and more efficient. 

 

Instead of designing a device to cut food for you, we looked for a way to assist others in improving their ability of slicing food with their own knives. By paying close attention to professionals, we realized that the tip of the knife typically follows a similar path for slicing most foods. Following this inspiration, the CuttingBoard+ was born. 

 

Existing products on the market do not replicate slicing motion, but rather require a very specific hinged knife which chops food by shear force. In contrast, by replicating the proper slicing technique, the CuttingBoard+ assists individuals in slicing foods as a professional would. The CuttingBoard+ utilizes a pin-in-slot type mechanism to guide the knife in the motion of proper slicing and does not requires as much shear force as chopping devices.

 

A novel solution to helping anyone and everyone slice foods properly, the CuttingBoard+ is useful to those learning to slice with the correct technique. Slicing properly increases the efficiency of the cutting process. Because the knife moves in a straight line, it helps prevent knife injuries from occurring. 

 

The modular design of the CuttingBoard+ allows it to be easily cleaned and stored. The knife guide can be removed and the product can be used as a regular cutting board if desired. The CuttingBoard+ is compatible with most standard Chef's knives which can be quickly and easily attached and detached. 

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