Actuated Bin Assembly for Robotic Food Transfer Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current food preparation equipment in commercial kitchens is limited in scope, requires extensive labor, is prone to mechanical failures, and does not efficiently utilize data for optimal production scheduling, leading to high costs, food waste, and customer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A robotic kitchen system comprising a robotic arm, automated bin assembly, and scheduling engine that uses camera data and sensors to manage food preparation, transfer items between bins and cooking appliances, and optimize production scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated food preparation equipment is used, then productivity and labor efficiency are improved, but device complexity and upfront costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a robotic arm for manipulation, an automated bin assembly with independent actuated bins, a camera/sensor array for detection, and a central processor for control. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently maintained or replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm and automated bin assembly can handle multiple types of food items and perform various preparation tasks. The system is designed to be adaptable to different cooking workflows and can interface with various cooking appliances, making it a universal solution for different restaurant needs rather than requiring specialized equipment for each task.
2Extent of automation
If automated bin assembly with actuated bins is used, then ease of operation and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex grippers or manipulators to grasp and move individual food items, the system inverts the approach by having the bins move themselves. The actuated bins automatically tilt or rotate to dump their contents into the robotic arm's container, simplifying the manipulation mechanism while achieving complete automation of the food transfer process.
3Measurement precision
If camera and sensor array are used, then measurement precision and detection accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple detection modalities (camera for visual identification, sensors for presence and position detection) into a single integrated detection station. The camera and sensors share common mounting structures and are processed by a unified central processor, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for food item identification and tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic kitchen system for preparing food items in combination with at least one kitchen appliance such as a fryer comprises an automated bin assembly, a robotic arm, and a basket held by the robotic arm. The automated bin assembly comprises at least one automated bin for holding the food items. A camera or sensor array collects image data of the food items in the bin(s). A central processor is operable to compute and provide directions to the first robotic arm and automated bin assembly based on the image data and stored data to (a) move the robotic arm to the bin; (b) actuate the bin to drop the food items from the bin into the basket; (c) and to move the basket into the fryer all without human interaction. Related methods are also described.