Adaptable aid for food preparation

Abstract

An adaptable aid for food preparation, comprising the following: i) a platform 101 designed to be positioned on a floor surface, the platform 101 being provided with a touch-interactive display panel 102 which a user can access to provide inputs relating to a food to be prepared, together with a recipe for preparing the food; ii) a plurality of chambers 103 arranged on the platform 101 to store multiple ingredients, including cut food, wherein a plurality of extendable links are integrated between the platform 101 and the chambers 103, which are actuated by an integrated microcontroller to extend / retract in order to impart an angular movement to a particular chamber, followed by the actuation of a motorized lid 104 integrated on each of the chambers 103 to allow the dispensing of the stored ingredients from the chambers 103; iii) a pan-like structure 105 arranged on the platform 101 adjacent to the chambers 103 to receive the dispensed ingredients, wherein a heating unit 106 is integrated on the platform 101 below the structure, which is actuated by the microcontroller to heat the structure 105 with a view to cooking the received ingredient; iv) a motorized stirrer 107, integrated at the base of the structure 105 and actuated by the microcontroller to rotate gradually to mix the housed ingredients, with a plurality of containers 108 mounted on the platform 101, each by means of an extendable L-shaped rod, actuated by the microcontroller to extend in order to position the containers 108 above the structure 105, followed by the actuation of several electronically controlled valves 109, integrated on the containers 108, to distribute various spices stored in the containers 108 within the structure 105; and v) a cover lid arranged on the side of the structure 105 by means of a motorized hinge joint which is actuated by the microcontroller to unfold the cover lid over the structure 105 in order to cover the structure 105 while the ingredients and spices are being cooked, if the recipe involves steaming the ingredients during cooking in order to prepare the food.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable food preparation assisting device capable of providing inputs regarding a food to be prepared along with a recipe for preparing the food, and capable of dispensing stored ingredients / seasonings for steaming the ingredients during cooking to prepare the food. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Throughout history, humans have developed various tools and techniques to make food preparation more efficient, safer, and more accessible. Early food preparation tools were rudimentary and often manual, such as knives, mortar and pestle, and millstones used for crushing, grinding, and mixing ingredients. Traditional food preparation tools include a wide range of equipment and devices that aid in food preparation. And tools for storing spices. Glass jars are preferred because they do not absorb flavors or odors and allow the contents to be clearly seen. Airtight containers keep spices fresh by preventing air and moisture from entering.

[0003] The traditional method of manually preparing food using mortars and pestles, while effective to some extent, comes with limitations. They require significant physical effort to operate effectively. For example, using a mortar and pestle or a manual grinder can be strenuous, especially for those with limited strength or mobility. Traditional methods of food preparation are time-consuming, especially when using manual tools such as mortars and pestles or hand-operated grain mills. Therefore, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that can provide a consistent way of preparing food where conventional methods fall short and that meets the evolving demands of modern needs.

[0004] US8276505B2 describes an automated food preparation system. It enables precise, automated control of the food preparation process and has the capability of performing automatic cleaning. It comprises at least one manipulator for processing and moving ingredients, a control system, an autonomously accessible storage system for the ingredients, and at least one cooking vessel. US'505 discloses an automated food preparation system capable of preparing food in an automated manner. However, this invention does not focus on providing knowledge of the recipe for preparing food.

[0005] CN104223933A discloses a cooking assistance system and a method thereof. The cooking assistance system includes a processor, a display device, a storage device, and a communication module. A menu data packet is pre-stored in the storage device and includes names of dishes, required raw materials, and names of seasonings. Restaurant information is pre-stored in the menu data packet and includes restaurant names, raw materials used by the restaurants, and seasoning lists. The menu data and store information can be updated through client-end networks. The cooking assistance system and the method can effectively assist inconvenient users in cooking and purchasing food, and users can share the information.Although CN'933 discloses a cooking assistance system that can assist the user in preparing food, this invention does not focus on dispensing stored ingredients / seasonings for steaming the ingredients during cooking to prepare the food, and the user must do this himself, which is time-consuming.

[0006] Conventionally, there are many appliances capable of preparing adaptable food. However, these appliances lack the ability to dispense stored ingredients / seasonings for steaming the ingredients during cooking to prepare the food. They also lack the ability to steam the ingredients during cooking to prepare the food. The user must do it themselves, which is time-consuming. The aforementioned appliances are also capable of preparing food in an automated manner and do not focus on providing recipe information for preparing the food.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, there is a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting the user with respect to the food recipe for preparing the food desired by the user in an efficient manner to save time and is also capable of dispensing the stored ingredients / spices while cooking the food in a secured manner without requiring manual intervention from the user. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop an apparatus capable of assisting the user with respect to the food recipe for preparing the food according to the user's desire in an efficient manner to save the time required.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of dispensing stored ingredients / spices during cooking of the food in a safe manner without requiring manual intervention by the user.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is inherently reliable.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an adaptable food preparation tool capable of providing inputs regarding a food to be prepared along with a recipe for preparing the food, and capable of dispensing stored ingredients / seasonings for steaming the ingredients during cooking to prepare the food.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable auxiliary device for the auxiliary device is developed which comprises a platform to be positioned on a floor surface, the platform being provided with an interactive touch display which a user can access to provide inputs of a food product to be prepared along with a recipe for preparing the food product, a plurality of ingredients arranged on the platform, including sliced ​​food products, a plurality of extendable connections between the platform and the chambers which are operated by a built-in microcontroller to extend / retract and a specific chamber, followed by the operation of a motorized lid which is inserted into each of the chambers,In order to enable the dispensing of the stored ingredients from the chambers, a tray-like structure is arranged on the platform next to the chambers to receive the dispensed ingredients, wherein a heating unit is integrated on the platform below the structure, which is actuated by the microcontroller to heat the structure with a view to cooking the received ingredient.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a motorized stirrer integrated at the base of the structure and operated by the microcontroller to rotate to mix the housed ingredients, a plurality of containers are mounted on the platform, each by means of an extendable L-shaped rod, which are operated by the microcontroller to extend the containers above the structure, followed by the operation of several electronically controlled valves integrated into the containers to dispense various spices stored in the containers in the structure, a lid attached to the side of the structure by means of a motorized hinge joint operated by the microcontroller to unfold the cover lid over the structure,to cover the structure while the ingredients and spices are being cooked, if the recipe includes steaming the ingredients during cooking to prepare the food item, a motorized shutter is integrated into each of the containers, which is actuated by a microcontroller to open to allow the stored spices to be dispensed into the structure, a weight sensor is in each of the chambers and containers to monitor the weight of the ingredients and spices dispensed from the chambers and containers, whereupon the microcontroller controls the actuation of the lid and flaps, a battery is in the A battery is configured with the platform to provide a continuous power supply for electronic components connected to the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an adjustable food preparation aid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode of carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural, unless explicitly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adaptable auxiliary food preparation device capable of providing inputs regarding a food to be prepared along with a recipe for preparing the food, and capable of dispensing stored ingredients / seasonings for steaming the ingredients during cooking to prepare the food.

[0022] Referring to Fig.1 is an isometric view of an adaptable auxiliary food preparation device comprising a platform 101 with a touch-sensitive interactive display panel 102, a plurality of chambers 103 disposed on the platform 101, a motorized lid 104 integrated into each of the chambers 103, and a pan-like structure 105 disposed on the platform 101 adjacent to the chambers 103, a heating unit 106 is integrated onto the platform 101, a motorized stirrer 107 is integrated at the base of the structure 105, a plurality of containers 108 are mounted on the platform 101, a plurality of electronically controlled valves 109 are integrated onto the containers 108, and a motorized shutter 110 is integrated into each of the containers 108.

[0023] The proposed device comprises a platform 101 positioned on a floor surface. The platform 101 is designed as the protective exterior of the device, and the components connected to the device are mounted over the platform 101. The platform 101 is preferably rectangular in shape and made of stainless steel, which provides the device with corrosion resistance, strength, and durability, as well as being easy to maintain. The platform 101 is equipped with a touch-sensitive interactive display panel 102 that a user can access to provide inputs regarding a food item to be prepared, along with the recipe for preparing the food item. The panel consists of small wires that complete the circuit when the user touches the panel to provide an input, which then changes the electrical charge at the point of touch and is registered as an input in the panel.The input commands regarding the tools are then stored in a database of the microcontroller, which is connected to the control panel to process the inputs.

[0024] After processing the user input, a plurality of chambers 103 are arranged on the platform 101 to store a plurality of ingredients, including sliced ​​food. Upon receiving the user input, the microcontroller actuates a plurality of extendable links integrated between the platform 101 and the chambers 103 to extend / retract to engage a specific chamber storing specific ingredients, as specified by the user via the control panel, and to allow angular movement. The extension / retraction of the links is powered by a pneumatic unit. The process begins with an air compressor that compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The pneumatic unit's air cylinder contains a piston that reciprocates within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the extendable links.The piston is attached to the extendable links, and its movement is controlled by the compressed air flow. To extend the extendable links, the piston actuates the air valve, allowing compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure in the chamber increases, the piston pushes the extendable links to the desired length. By controlling the air flow and the position of the piston to allow angular movement to a specific chamber, the chamber can be positioned over a trough-like structure 105 located on the platform 101 adjacent to the chambers 103.

[0025] Once the chamber is positioned over the structure 105, the microcontroller actuates a motorized lid 104 integrated into each of the chambers 103 to enable the dispensing of the stored ingredients from the chambers 103. The lid 104 is coupled to a motor activated by the microcontroller to displace the portion of the lid 104 to open the lid 104 and allow the user to dispense the stored ingredients from the chambers 103 to the structure 105. After pickup, a heating unit 106 integrated into the platform 101 is activated by the microcontroller to release heat to heat the structure 105 in preparation for cooking the picked-up ingredient. The heating unit 106 used here is preferably a copper coil that generates heat when an electric current flows through the coil.When an electric current flows through a copper wire, the electrons encounter the resistive forces of the medium's material, releasing energy that is dissipated in the form of heat. The copper coil is well insulated to prevent heat loss and to direct the generated heat to the structure. The heating unit begins to generate heat, and the heating element heats up to release heat for heating the structure 105, preparing the ingredients inside. Once the microcontroller has released the heat to heat the structure to the desired consistency, it shuts off the heating unit.

[0026] At the same time, the microcontroller controls a motorized stirrer 107, integrated into the base of structure 105, to gradually rotate and mix the housed ingredients. The stirrer is coupled to a motor activated by the microcontroller to rotate the stirrer to mix the housed ingredients. Furthermore, several containers 108 are mounted on the platform 101, each having extendable L-shaped rods actuated by the microcontroller to position the containers 108 above the structure 105. The rods are driven by a pneumatic unit in a similar manner to the links for positioning the containers 108 above the structure 105.After positioning the containers 108 over the structure 105, the microcontroller actuates a motorized shutter 110 integrated into each of the containers 108 to open so that the stored spices can be dispensed into the structure 105 to gradually rotate and mix the contained ingredients.

[0027] After mixing the stored ingredients, several electronically controlled valves 109 integrated into the containers 108 are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense various spices stored in the containers 108 into the structure 105. The electronically controlled valves are used to control the liquid flow by adjusting the size of the flow channel via a signal from a control unit. This allows direct control of the flow rate and, consequently, the dispensing of various spices stored in the containers 108 in the structure 105.

[0028] A cover lid arranged on the side of the structure 105 by means of a motorized hinge joint. During cooking, when the recipe specified by the user corresponds to steaming, the microcontroller actuates the motorized hinge joint to unfold the cover lid over the structure 105 to cover the structure 105 while the ingredients and seasonings are cooked. The hinge joint typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator that provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is usually controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge joint consists of a hinge mechanism that allows rotation around a fixed axis. It typically consists of two parts: a fixed component and a movable component.The fixed component is rigidly connected to one part of the structure, while the movable component is connected to the other part, which must extend the lid over the structure 105 to cover the structure 105 during the cooking of the ingredients and spices.

[0029] At the same time, a weight sensor is integrated into each of the chambers 103 and the containers 108 to monitor the weight of the ingredients and spices remaining in the chambers 103 and containers 108. The weight sensor consists of a piezoelectric measuring coil that measures the strain generated by the weight of the base and converts the measured strain into an electrical pulse. The microcontroller processes the electrical pulse to detect the magnitude and intensity of the pulse to determine the weight of the ingredients and spices remaining in the chambers 103 and containers 108. The microcontroller then controls the operation of the lid and flaps.

[0030] Finally, a battery is connected to the device to power all the electrical and electronic components necessary for its proper operation. The battery is connected to the microcontroller and supplies the microcontroller with direct current (DC). The microcontroller then sends this current to the specific electrical or electronic components, depending on the sequence of operations, so they can effectively perform their respective functions.

[0031] The present invention best functions in the following manner, wherein the platform 101 is positioned on the floor surface and the user first accesses the interactive touch display 102 to provide inputs regarding the food to be prepared along with the recipe for preparing the food. After processing the input provided by the user, the microcontroller causes each extendable link for the respective chamber to undergo angular movement to position the chamber over the pan structure 105, whereupon the microcontroller actuates the motorized lid 104 to allow the dispensing of the stored ingredients from the chambers 103. The heating unit 106 is then activated by the microcontroller to release heat to heat the structure 105 to prepare the stored ingredients.During the cooking process, the motorized stirrer 107 gradually rotates to mix the stored ingredients. According to the preset recipe, the microcontroller controls the electronically controlled valves 109 to operate the various spices stored in the containers 108 within the structure 105. When the food is ready to be steamed, the microcontroller operates the motorized hinge joint to unfold the cover lid over the structure 105, covering the structure 105 while the ingredients and spices are cooked.

[0032] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description should not be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 104223933A

[0005]

Claims

[1] An adaptable food preparation aid comprising: i) a platform 101 designed to be positioned on a floor surface, the platform 101 being provided with a touch-interactive display panel 102 accessible by a user to provide inputs regarding a food item to be prepared, together with a recipe for preparing the food item; ii) a plurality of chambers 103 arranged on the platform 101 for storing a plurality of ingredients, including sliced ​​food, wherein a plurality of extendable members are integrated between the platform 101 and the chambers 103, which are actuated by a built-in microcontroller to extend / retract to impart angular movement to a particular chamber, followed by the actuation of a motorized lid 104 integrated on each of the chambers 103 to enable the dispensing of the stored ingredients from the chambers 103; iii) a pan-like structure 105 arranged on the platform 101 adjacent to the chambers 103 for receiving the dispensed ingredients, with a heating unit 106 integrated on the platform 101 below the structure, which is actuated by the microcontroller to heat the structure 105 with a view to cooking the received ingredient; iv) a motorized stirrer 107 integrated at the base of the structure 105 and actuated by the microcontroller to gradually rotate to mix the housed ingredients, wherein a plurality of containers 108 are mounted on the platform 101, each by means of an extendable L-shaped rod actuated by the microcontroller to extend to position the containers 108 above the structure 105, followed by the actuation of several electronically controlled valves 109 integrated on the containers 108 to distribute various spices stored in the containers 108 into the structure 105; and v) a cover lid arranged on the side of the structure 105 by means of a motorized hinge joint actuated by the microcontroller to unfold the cover lid over the structure 105 to cover the structure 105 while the ingredients and spices are cooked, if the recipe involves steaming the ingredients during cooking to prepare the food. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the containers 108 includes a motorized shutter 110 that is actuated by the microcontroller to open to allow the stored spices to be dispensed into the structure 105. [3] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is integrated in each of the chambers 103 and containers 108 to monitor the weight of the ingredients and spices dispensed from the chambers 103 and containers 108, whereupon the microcontroller controls the operation of the lid and the flaps. [4] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with the platform 101 to provide a continuous power supply to electronically operated components connected to the device.

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