AUTOMATIC BLADE SHARPENING WITH OPTICAL PROFILE ANALYSIS. AND STERILIZATION STATION

Abstract

This invention relates to the fields of kitchen technologies, cutting tool maintenance systems, optical sensing technologies, and electromechanical automation systems. More specifically, the invention concerns an automatic knife sharpening and sterilization station with optical profile analysis. It incorporates a sterilization LED to ensure surface hygiene of knives placed vertically within a station, and performs automatic sharpening by optically sensing profile data of the cutting edge of the knife via a camera and processing an image based on this profile data. This is achieved by linearly moving the sharpening apparatus via a microprocessor-controlled stepper motor and screw shaft.

Description

1 TARIFF 5 AUTOMATIC BLADE SHARPENING WITH OPTICAL PROFILE ANALYSIS. AND STERILIZATION STATION Technological Field: This invention is used in kitchen equipment, cutting tool maintenance systems, and electromechanical automation. systems, optical sensing technologies and sterilization devices for hygiene purposes technical 10 It relates to these areas. More specifically, the invention involves having different sizes and geometries. optical analysis of blades by fixing them on a vertical axis, the analyzed blade Linear motion operating under microprocessor control, depending on its profile. the automatic sharpening process is carried out through its mechanism and the aforementioned 15. Ensuring the hygienic condition of the blade surface through integrated sterilization sources. with an automatic blade sharpening and sterilization station that provides optical profile analysis. It is related. State of the Art: Today, knives are used in domestic, professional, and industrial kitchens. Sharpening processes are mostly done manually using whetstones, sharpening stones, and rotary grinding wheels. through mechanisms or fixed-angle electric sharpening devices This is carried out. In these systems, which are part of the known state of the art, sharpening is performed. The process is largely dependent on user experience, and the blade edge... The cutter was damaged because the sharpening angle that should be applied could not be kept constant throughout the process. Irregular wear occurs on the surface. Especially on different barrels 25 Fixed-angle mechanics in blades with varying curves, tip geometries, and cross-sectional structures. Sharpening systems are unable to provide adequate surface alignment, resulting in insufficient sharpening at the blade tip. Sharpening, in some areas, leads to excessive material loss. This... As a result, the sharpness of the blade cannot be maintained uniformly, and the use of cutting tools... Its lifespan is decreasing. 30 Many electric sharpening systems used in the current state of the technology only sharpen the blade. It operates based on the principle of being pushed into a specific channel or guide, and processing the physical profile, tip, surface curve, or dimensional structure of the blade being subjected to It does not include a dynamically analyzing sensing architecture. Therefore, the current The systems cannot automatically adapt to different blade types and are non-standard. 35 It is not possible to perform controlled sharpening on knives with certain geometries. Furthermore, the existing 2 In the solutions, the sharpening device automatically adjusts along the linear axis according to the blade profile. It does not have an optically controlled motion system that allows for its positioning. On the other hand, the processes of making knives hygienic usually begin with the sharpening process. It is operated independently; chemical cleaners, hot water systems or external Sterilization equipment is used. This requires additional steps from the user. This creates the need and the sharpening and hygiene processes are carried out through different equipment. 10 This leads to its implementation, especially on knife surfaces in professional kitchens. rapid and controlled removal of potential microbiological contaminations a compact system structure that works integrated with the sharpening process, the known technique It is not available at a sufficient level in this situation. When current technological solutions are examined; the blade is fixed on the vertical axis and the optical 15 scanned, the resulting profile data is processed by an image processing microprocessor. analyzed by, stepper motor controlled linear depending on the analysis result. the direction of the movement mechanism and the sharpening apparatus's blade with this movement based on the principle of automatic positioning to follow its geometry No integrated system structure has been encountered. However, the aforementioned automatic 20 The sharpening process is carried out within the same station housing as the sterilization LED sources. A compact and integrated solution that enables simultaneous execution of the technology It is not in its known state. The purpose of the invention: The main purpose of the invention is to create 25 different sizes, lengths and cutting surface geometries. The knives produce a controlled, homogeneous, and safe mixture without the need for human intervention. an automated blade sharpener with optical profile analysis that ensures precise sharpening. The goal is to provide a sterilization station. Another purpose of the invention is to fix the blade to be processed on the vertical axis. then, through the integrated camera system, the blade profile, the barrel curve and the tip 30 optical perception of its geometry and a conversion of the resulting image data The aim is to enable the microprocessor to analyze the blade geometry. Linear motion mechanism of the grinding apparatus using relevant positional data. controlled guidance and more even distribution along the blade surface The aim is to perform a sharpening operation. 35 Another purpose of the invention is to produce a grinding machine driven by a stepper motor and a linear motion shaft. The device automatically rotates vertically depending on the analyzed blade profile. 3 By enabling its positioning, it creates mechanical compatibility with different blade types and a fixed 5 Uneven wear occurring in angled traditional sharpening systems, missing parts in the tip areas The aim is to reduce technical problems such as sharpening and excessive surface loss. The invention also includes features that can be activated before, during and / or after the sharpening process. Microbiological load on the blade surface via LED sources for sterilization purposes reducing the number of cutting tools, ensuring hygienic storage conditions, and especially 10 Reducing the risk of cross-contamination in professional kitchen applications It aims to... Another purpose of the invention is the optical analysis system, automatic sharpening mechanism, and by integrating the sterilization unit into a single housing, the process ensuring standardization, adaptable to different knife morphologies, and suitable for kitchen 15 a multifunctional maintenance station offering the advantage of compact use in various environments to create. Explanation of the Figures 1. Front view of the knife sharpening station. References: 20 1. Station lower compartment 2. Power supply 3. Image processing microprocessor 4. Stepper motor 5. Screw shaft 25 6. Sharpening tool 7. Blade fixing end point 8. Knife 9. LED for sterilization purposes. 10. Adjustable rod 30 11. Blade upper section fixing compartment 12. Camera Description of the Invention: The subject of the invention is an automatic knife sharpening and sterilization station with optical profile analysis; A Station sub-section (1) which forms the main supporting structure of the system, the electrical 35 of the system a power supply (2) that meets the energy needs, a system that controls the operations The image processing microprocessor (3) is configured to generate linear motion. 4 a Stepper motor (4), a Screw shaft 5 driven by the said Stepper motor (4) A sharpening apparatus (6) positioned to move along (5) the processing A blade fixing end that forms a lower fixing support for the blade (8) to be subjected to. point (7) is positioned to ensure the sterilization of the blade surface at least A sterilization LED (9), position adjustment according to different sized blades. An adjustable bar (10) that enables this, fixing the top of the blade 10 a blade top section fixing compartment (11) and blade profile structured for this purpose It includes an optically sensing camera (12). The Knife (8) to be processed within the scope of the invention is the Knife located in the subsection below. The fixing end point (7) and the upper section Blade upper section fixing compartment (11) They are placed vertically between them. 15 with different lengths and geometries Blade top section fixing for the blades to be securely fixed to the system. compartment (11) can be moved on the adjustable bar (10) It is structured in such a way that the blade (8) is kept stable on the vertical axis during the operation. and this helps to reduce vibrations that may occur during the sharpening process. The Camera (12) in the system will optically scan the surface of the fixed Blade (8). It is positioned in this way. Image data obtained by the camera (12) Image The image is transferred to the microprocessor (3) which is running, and the microprocessor (3) transmits the image. positional boundary data relating to the cutting edge line of the blade (8) through the data, barrel It determines the curve, length, and end geometry. The resulting positional boundary The motion parameters of the Stepper motor (4) are created based on the data. 25 As a result of the image processing performed, the movement of the knife (8) on the linear axis Boundaries are being established and the profile line where the sharpening process will be applied is defined. During the sharpening process, the control generated by the image processing microprocessor (3) Depending on the data, the Stepper motor (4) is started. The rotation of the Stepper motor (4) The motion is converted into linear motion via the screw shaft (5) and the screw in question is 30 The sharpening apparatus (6) positioned on the shaft (5) is up and down on the vertical axis. The sharpening apparatus (6) is moved downwards. Thus, the optical sharpening apparatus (8) of the blade (6) is moved downwards. Controlled linear motion depending on the defined cutting surface profile. By doing this, it completes the sharpening process along the blade surface. The sharpening apparatus (6) used within the scope of the invention provides controlled contact with the blade cutting surface 35 It includes an abrasive grinding surface positioned to create a sharpening effect. The subject is the abrasive grinding surface, controlled grinding carried out along the screw shaft (5). Thanks to linear movement, it will apply balanced contact to different areas of the blade surface. 5 It is moved in this way. This prevents accidents, especially in the blade tip areas. Reducing insufficient grinding, uneven surface wear, and excessive material loss. that is intended. Sterilization LED (9) components included in the system, the blade (8) It is positioned facing the surface. Sterilization LED (9) 10 The components are operated under the control of the image processing microprocessor (3), and sharpening activated before, during and / or after the process in sync with the process. This allows microorganisms that may be present on the blade surface to be removed. reducing pathogen loads and storing cutting instruments under hygienic conditions is provided. 15 The system described in the invention involves the optical detection of the blade profile and the resulting profile. Control of the linear motion mechanism based on data, controlled Sharpening and sterilization processes are carried out in the same station body. Mechanical adaptation to different blade types thanks to its integrated design. It creates an automated maintenance and sterilization station capable of providing this. 20 Industrial Application of the Invention The subject of the invention is an automatic knife sharpening and sterilization station with optical profile analysis; small household appliances, industrial kitchen equipment, electromechanical automation systems and standard electronic and widely used in the fields of hygiene technologies. Because it has a structure based on the integration of mechanical components, the existing 25 It is compatible with production infrastructures and suitable for mass production. Within the system... camera modules, image processing microprocessor units, stepper motors used motors, linear motion shafts, power units, and LED sources for sterilization purposes. industrial components widely available on the market can be created. 30 The carrier body, adjustable fastening elements and mechanical components included in the invention Support components; stainless steel, aluminum alloys, food-grade ABS, polycarbonate or can be produced from similar high-strength engineering materials. The parts in question are produced using plastic injection molding, CNC machining, metalworking, laser cutting, and Low-cost, high-volume production using metal forming methods 35 It can be manufactured appropriately. 6 Linear motion system and abrasive grinding used in the grinding mechanism 5 The components can be manufactured with standard mechanical transmission components, and the system Thanks to its modular structure, it is compatible with different blade sizes, cutting surface geometries, and Variations suitable for different use cases can be developed. Furthermore, the system... The optical sensing and microprocessor-controlled motion infrastructure used within it; different Through control parameters and software updates, 10 different types of cutting tools can be adapted. It offers a flexible and adaptable usage structure. The invention is applicable to household kitchen equipment, restaurants, hotels, and industrial food production facilities. butchers, food processing plants, professional kitchen chains, and mass consumption areas It is a commercially available product that can be used in cutting tool maintenance processes. automation, increasing user safety, improving hygiene conditions and 15 High commercial viability due to its ability to adapt to different blade geometries. and has economic production potential.

Claims

7 REQUIREMENTS 5 1. It is an automatic blade sharpening and sterilization station with optical profile analysis, feature; a Station subdivision (1), Image processing microprocessor (3) that controls system operations, A Stepper motor (4) configured to generate linear motion, 10 A screw shaft (5) driven by the aforementioned Stepper motor (4), a positioned to move along the aforementioned screw shaft (5) Sharpening apparatus (6), A blade fixing tip that secures the lower section of the blade (8) to be processed. point (7), 15 A blade top section securing compartment (11) that secures the top section of the blade, A camera that optically detects the blade profile (12), and at least positioned to ensure the sterilization of the blade surface. a Sterilization LED (9) Image 20 includes and image data obtained by Camera (12). The cutting edge line of the blade (8) is analyzed by the microprocessor (3) that is working the creation of related spatial boundary data and based on that data By controlling the stepper motor (4), the sharpening apparatus (6) blade It is the performance of linear motion in accordance with its profile.

2. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to claim 1 25 It is a station, and its characteristic feature is; The upper section fixing compartment of the blade (11), for different sizes and lengths Moves on an adjustable bar (10) to accommodate the blades. It is a structure that can be manipulated.

3. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to claim 1 30 It is a station, and its characteristic feature is; Image processing of image data obtained by the camera (12) The blade curve of the knife (8) as a result of processing by the microprocessor (3), By creating profile data regarding the length and tip geometry of the Stepper The motor (4) is used in motion control. 35 4. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to Claim 1. It is a station, and its characteristic feature is; 8 The rotational movement of the stepper motor (4) is linear via the screw shaft (5). the conversion of motion and the sharpening apparatus with the said linear motion (6) is the upward and downward movement on the vertical axis.

5. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to Claim 1. It is a station, and its characteristic feature is; The sharpening device (6) should be made to make controlled contact with the blade cutting surface. It includes a positioned abrasive grinding surface.

6. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to Claim 1. It is a station, and its characteristic feature is; The sharpening apparatus (6) moves in a controlled linear motion along the screw shaft (5). It is structured in a way that will enable it to be accomplished. 15 7. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to Claim 1. It is a station, and its characteristic feature is; The sterilization LED (9) is processed synchronously with the sharpening process. Image to be activated before, during and / or after It is operated under the control of the microprocessor (3). 20 8. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization station with optical profile analysis according to stem 1. Its characteristic is; The Knife (8), Knife fixing end point (7) and Knife upper section fixing compartment (11) is positioned so that it is fixed on the vertical axis.

9. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to Claim 1 25 It is a station, and its characteristic feature is; The sharpening apparatus (6) moves in accordance with the tip area and blade curve of the knife (8). It is about controlling it in a way that will enable it to be carried out.

10. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to Claim 1. It is a station, and its feature is; 30 The sterilization LED (9) is directed towards the surface of the blade (8). It is positioning.

11. Automatic blade sharpening and sterilization with optical profile analysis according to Claim 1. It is a power station, and its feature is that it meets the energy needs of the system components. It includes the source (2). 35

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