Automated Kitchen Ingredient Transfer Using Modular Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for automating the transfer and dispensing of food ingredients in automated kitchen systems are inefficient, as they require manual handling and lack automation in the process from storage to cooking containers.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen system comprising ingredient containers, transport boxes, a storage apparatus, cap opening apparatus, transfer apparatus, and unloading apparatus, which enables fully automated transfer and dispensing of food ingredients from storage to cooking containers using gripping mechanisms and motion mechanisms, allowing for synchronized movement and handling of containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used for transferring and dispensing food ingredients, then the system is simpler to implement, but productivity is reduced and food safety is compromised
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 operations, and unloading apparatus for dispensing ingredients. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and scalability.
2Reliability
If automated transfer and dispensing systems are implemented, then food safety and productivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with universal components that can handle multiple types of ingredient containers through standardized interfaces. The transfer apparatus uses gripping mechanisms that can accommodate different container sizes and shapes, while the storage apparatus features modular compartments that can be configured for various ingredient types, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each ingredient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-contained ingredient containers with integrated caps that automatically seal when closed. The containers are designed to work with the automated apparatus without requiring manual intervention, and the system maintains ingredient freshness through automated sealing and storage mechanisms that operate independently.
3Productivity
If synchronized movement of multiple containers is implemented, then productivity increases, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer apparatus employs a cyclic motion mechanism that continuously moves containers through the system in a coordinated sequence. Multiple containers are handled simultaneously at different stages of the process, with the apparatus maintaining continuous operation rather than processing containers one at a time, thereby maximizing productivity while using relatively simple mechanical sequencing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses an automated kitchen system comprising: a plurality of ingredient containers and caps; a storage apparatus; a first transfer apparatus configured to move capped containers in the storage apparatus to a location at a cap opening apparatus as to remove the cap from the ingredient container; a cyclic transfer apparatus; a second transfer apparatus configured to move an uncapped ingredient container to the cyclic transfer apparatus. The automated kitchen system further comprises one or more cooking systems, where each cooking system comprises: a cooking apparatus comprising a cooking container and a stirring mechanism; an unloading apparatus to unload food ingredients; a transfer apparatus to move an ingredient container from the cyclic transfer apparatus to a position at the unloading mechanism.