Automatic kitchen system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for automating the transfer and dispensing of food ingredients in cooking processes are inefficient, requiring manual handling and lacking a comprehensive algorithm for control, especially in automated kitchen systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated kitchen system comprising ingredient containers, transport boxes, storage apparatus, cap opening mechanisms, and a control center with sensors and motors to automate the transfer and dispensing of food ingredients based on recipe requirements, utilizing a control center to process data from sensors and send signals to control mechanisms for precise handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of food ingredients is used, then the system complexity is low, but the productivity and food safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated kitchen system is divided into distinct functional modules: storage apparatus for ingredient containers, transfer apparatus for moving containers, cap opening apparatus for sealing/unsealing, and control center for coordination. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve high automation without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through modular architecture.
2Reliability
If automated transfer and dispensing is implemented, then the food safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-sealing ingredient containers with integrated cap mechanisms that automatically seal when empty and can be easily replaced. The storage apparatus and transfer apparatus work autonomously to move containers without human intervention, maintaining food safety through automated handling while minimizing the complexity of individual components through self-service design.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise timing and quantity control is achieved, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control center receives status information from sensors monitoring ingredient container levels, transfer apparatus position, and cap opening apparatus state. Based on this feedback, the control center automatically adjusts dispensing timing and quantities according to recipe requirements, achieving precise control while keeping the control algorithm manageable through real-time feedback rather than complex pre-programming.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses an automated kitchen system comprising a first computer and a plurality of second computers which are connected so that the first computer may communicate with any of the second computers. The automated kitchen system also comprises: a plurality of ingredient containers each configured to contain or store food ingredients; caps configured to close on the ingredient containers; a storage apparatus comprising compartments each configured to store a plurality of ingredient containers and refrigeration mechanism configured to cool the food or food ingredients in the containers of the storage apparatus; transport boxes each configured to contain capped ingredient containers; a transportation apparatus configured to move the transport boxes wherein the transportation apparatus comprises motors and sensors; a cap opening apparatus configured to remove a cap from a capped container wherein the cap opening apparatus comprises motors and sensors; a first transfer apparatus configured to move a capped ingredient container from a transport box to the storage apparatus, and also configured to move a capped ingredient container to a location on the cap opening apparatus, wherein the first transfer apparatus comprises motors and sensors; a cyclic transport apparatus comprising a cycle of container holders each configured to hold an ingredient container; a transfer apparatus configured to move an ingredient container from the location of cap opening apparatus to a position on a container holder of the cyclic transport apparatus wherein the second transfer apparatus comprises motors and sensors; and a plurality of cooking systems. Each cooking system comprises a cooking container configured to hold food or food ingredients during a cooking process, a stirring motion mechanism configured to produce a motion in the cooking container as to stir, mix or distribute food or food ingredients held in the cooking container, wherein the stirring motion comprising motors, sensors, and a stove; a cyclic transport apparatus comprising a cycle of container holders each configured to hold an ingredient container; an unloading apparatus configured to unload food ingredients from an ingredient. The above mechanisms and apparatuses comprise electrical or electronic devices and sensors, which are configured to be connected to the second computers. The first computer is configured to store various sub-programs and other lists that are useful to control the electric or electronic devices in the mechanisms, apparatuses or systems in the kitchen system.