Rotating dough dispensing unit for snack machines

Abstract

A rotatable dough dispensing unit (10) for a snack machine, comprising: a base (22); a cylindrical stand (11); a rotatable rod (2) rotatably positioned above the cylindrical stand and generating the required rotational movement of the dough dispensing unit, the rotational movement enabling the dispensing unit to dispense the dough into one or more shapes according to the user's requirements; a hopper (13) for receiving the dough mixture for step-by-step dispensing; a motor (13) with a worm gear (15) which moves the pusher (17) to press the dough pressing plate to the bottom of the hopper; a rotatable mold (10) having at least two rollers, the two rollers having a plurality of shaping patterns on their outer sides for producing the differently shaped snacks by passing the dough mixture between the rollers, the rollers (20) dispensing the shaped dough directly over the mold by gravity while rotating in opposite directions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to food preparation machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rotary dough dispensing unit that dispenses the shaped dough in various shapes and sides for the snack machine to reduce manual effort and time. BACKGROUND

[0002] The snack machine was developed to automate the traditional manual production of murukku (snacks). Murukku is a popular South Indian snack made from rice flour and urad dal flour. Traditionally, murukku was formed by hand using a press (mold) and deep-fried in oil. However, with increasing demand, manual production became inefficient, leading to the development of mechanized solutions. To make murukku, rice flour or urad dal flour is used to prepare a batter, which is then flavored with spices depending on the type of murukku. The machines are designed to press the batter through a die into the oil. The machine initially features a manual extruder with patterned dies for making murukku. The batter is filled into a chamber and pressed through the die with the help of rotating levers to form murukku into the desired shape.Semi-automatic machines then work by simply placing the dough into the hopper and starting the machine with a pressing mechanism that forces the dough through the nozzle to achieve the desired shape.

[0003] However, existing systems only offer a flat mold for producing snacks. In this case, the user or the machine must rotate the receiving part. Only then are the snacks formed into the desired shape. However, the attractive designs of these snacks cannot be prepared manually. Conventional machines also lack the multi-directional movement to distribute the snacks directly into one or more molds.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a rotatable dough dispenser unit for snack machines to reduce manual effort and time. The present invention effectively overcomes the above-mentioned problems, limitations, and disadvantages. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The main object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable dough dispenser unit for snack machines to reduce the manual effort for producing differently shaped snacks.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to increase the productivity of food products at an affordable price and with maximum quality.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for skilled workers to produce differently shaped snacks.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable assembly for dispensing the shaped dough into one or more molds by a 360 degree rotation.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to introduce a roller mold for dispensing differently shaped snacks using motor rotation.

[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY

[0011] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a rotatable dough dispenser unit for snack machines to reduce manual effort and time required for producing differently shaped snacks. The unit consists of a base and a cylindrical stand. The rotatable rod is positioned above the cylindrical stand. It transmits the required rotational movement to the dough dispenser unit, allowing the dispenser unit to dispense the dough into one or more shapes depending on the user's needs.

[0012] The hopper holds the dough mixture for gradual dispensing. The worm gear motor transmits motion to the pusher, which presses the dough pressing plate against the bottom of the hopper. The rotating mold has at least two rollers, each with a variety of patterns on their outer surfaces, to produce the differently shaped snacks by forcing the dough mixture between the rollers. The rollers distribute the shaped dough directly over the mold by gravity while rotating in opposite directions. The unit is electrically operated. The cylindrical stand and rotating rod allow the shaped dough to be dispensed 360 degrees. The rollers are detachably mounted with the rotating mold for producing various snack shapes. The rotation of the rollers can be motor-controlled.The worm gear with motor is located at the top of the hopper and presses the dough downwards using a press plate.

[0013] These and other aspects of the embodiments described herein will become more fully understood in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. While the following descriptions show preferred embodiments and numerous specific details, they are illustrative and not limiting. Numerous changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit thereof. The embodiments described herein are intended to include all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further objects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. In these drawings: Fig. the isometric view of the rotatable dough shape dispensing unit for a snack machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. the front view of the rotatable dough shape dispensing unit for a snack machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings but not in others. This is for clarity only, since each feature according to the present invention can be combined with all or some of the other features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The various embodiments, as well as further developments and features, are explained in the following detailed description using non-limiting details. The depiction of processing techniques for known components has been omitted in order not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments presented herein. The examples used herein are intended to facilitate understanding of the possible applications of the embodiments described herein and to enable those skilled in the art to implement the embodiments described herein. The examples are therefore not to be understood as limiting the scope of application of the embodiments described herein.

[0017] The various embodiments of the present invention comprise a rotatable dough dispensing unit (10) for snack machines to reduce the manual effort and time required for preparing differently shaped snacks. The unit consists of a base and a cylindrical post. The rotatable dough dispensing unit is operated by a power source. The power source can be a direct power source. The rotatable rod (12) is rotatably positioned above the cylindrical post. It is configured to generate the required rotary movement for the dough dispensing unit. The rotary movement allows the dispensing unit to dispense the dough into one or more shapes depending on the user's needs. The rotatable rod is rotatably mounted around the post.

[0018] In one embodiment, the present invention (10) can be placed in the center of one or more molds to continuously dispense the differently shaped dough into one or more molds by a 360-degree rotation of the rotating rod.

[0019] Fig. shows an isometric view of the rotary dough forming dispensing unit for a snack machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hopper (13) serves to receive the dough mix for incremental dispensing. The worm gear motor drives the pusher (17), which pushes the dough pressing plate toward the bottom of the hopper. The hopper unit is pivotally connected to the rotating rod (12) to enable rotation in various directions.

[0020] The rotating mold (19) has at least two rollers. These two rollers have different patterns on their outer surfaces to produce the differently shaped snacks by forcing the dough mixture between the rollers. The rollers (20) discharge the shaped dough directly over the mold by gravity while rotating in opposite directions. The rollers are rotatable by motor rotation and gear connection. The rotating mold is located at the bottom of the hopper. The movement of the dough press plate conveys the dough mixture into the mold. The roller design can be manually adjusted as needed.

[0021] Fig.Shows the front view of the rotary dough dispenser unit for snack machines according to an embodiment of the present invention. The entire unit (10) is electrically operated. The cylindrical stand and the rotating rod allow the shaped dough to be dispensed 360 degrees. The rollers are removably mounted on the rotary mold for producing various snack shapes. The rotation of the rollers (20) is motor-controlled. The worm gear with motor is located at the top of the hopper and presses the dough downwards using a press plate.

[0022] The present invention (10) is an innovative and automated solution that simplifies the traditional murukku manufacturing process in various forms. The working mechanism begins with the user pouring the prepared dough into the hopper, which serves as a storage container for the mixture prior to processing. From the hopper, the dough flows downwards into the forming chamber, where a precisely designed worm gear mechanism (15) is integrated. This motor-driven mechanism consists of a rotating, screw-like structure that pushes the dough forward in a targeted manner under uniform pressure. A pressure plate is attached to the worm gear, ensuring a smooth and controlled flow of dough to the nozzle.

[0023] The die plays a crucial role in shaping the dough before it moves on to the next step. Once the dough leaves the die, it is fed into a pair of synchronized rotating forming rollers which give the murukku the traditional spiral shape through the formed pattern. The molds work in perfect coordination with each other, ensuring precise shaping of each piece with minimal wastage. After shaping, the murukku is directly transferred to a frying pan where it is cooked without any manual handling. The present invention (10) repeats this cycle continuously, ensuring efficient and hygienic production. By automating the entire process, this machine not only increases productivity but also ensures uniformity, reduces labor, and ensures consistent quality in large-scale murukku production.

[0024] The examples of the present invention described above are for illustrative purposes only. Although the present invention has been described using a specific example, numerous modifications are possible without materially affecting the teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present solution. All of the features and / or steps of the methods or processes described therein (including the appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be combined in any way, except for combinations in which at least some of these features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0025] Although the embodiments described herein are described in terms of various specific embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein with modifications. List of reference symbols: 11 Support foot 12 Rotating rod 13 funnels 14 Engine 15 worm gears 16 engine power 17 tampers 18 Dough press plate 19 Turning mold 20 rollers 21 table 22 bases 23 roller motor

Claims

[1] A rotatable dough dispensing unit (10) for a snack machine, comprising: a base (22); a cylindrical stand (11); a rotatable rod (2) rotatably positioned above the cylindrical stand and generating the required rotational movement of the dough dispensing unit, the rotational movement enabling the dispensing unit to dispense the dough into one or more shapes according to the user's needs; a hopper (13) for receiving the dough mixture for step-by-step dispensing; a motor (13) with a worm gear (15) which moves the pusher (17) to press the dough pressing plate to the bottom of the hopper; a rotatable mold (10) having at least two rollers, the two rollers having a plurality of shaping patterns on their outer sides for producing the differently shaped snacks by passing the dough mixture between the rollers, the rollers (20) dispensing the shaped dough directly over the mold by gravity while rotating in opposite directions. [2] The rotary dough mold dispensing unit for snack machines according to claim 1, wherein the unit (10) is electrically operated. [3] The rotary dough molding dispensing unit for snack machines according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical stand (11) and the rotatable rod enable the molded dough to be dispensed 360 degrees. [4] The rotary dough mold dispensing unit for snack machines according to claim 1, wherein the rollers are detachably connected to the rotary mold for producing differently shaped snacks. [5] The rotary dough mold dispensing unit for snack machines according to claim 1, wherein the roller rotation can be motor-controlled. [6] The rotary dough forming dispensing unit for snack machines according to claim 1, wherein the worm gear (15) with motor is located on the top of the hopper and presses the dough downwards by means of a pressing plate.

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