Apparatuses and methods for improved ingredient dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated food dispensing systems often lump food ingredients together, leading to unappetizing presentations and increased waste due to spilling, which affects the taste and cleanliness of the food preparation process.
Innovation Solution
A carousel apparatus with concentrically arranged openings for multiple containers, combined with a linear actuator system, allows precise control over the dispensing of food ingredients by rotating and linearly moving a receptacle to ensure even distribution and prevent spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one axis robot with carousel is used to dispense ingredients, then the structure is simple, but the food ingredients are dispensed on opposing sides and piled up, creating unappetizing presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-axis rotational system to a two-axis system combining rotational movement (carousel) with linear movement (robotic arm). This dimensional addition enables the dispensing head to reach multiple locations around the bowl, allowing ingredients to be distributed evenly across the entire surface rather than being piled at opposing sides.
2Device complexity
If a carousel and rotary axis are used to rotate the bowl, then the positioning capability is limited, but the structure is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the static bowl rotation with a dynamic robotic arm that can actively position the dispensing head at precise locations. The robotic arm's controlled movement provides superior positioning accuracy compared to passive bowl rotation, enabling exact control over where each ingredient lands in the bowl.
3Loss of substance
If the bowl size is increased to prevent spilling, then food waste is reduced, but the apparatus occupies more space and the presentation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of using a larger bowl with a control-based solution. The robotic arm's precision positioning system ensures ingredients are dispensed accurately within the bowl boundaries, eliminating spillage without requiring increased bowl size. This maintains an optimal presentation area while preventing food waste.
4Device complexity
If ingredients are dispensed from fixed points, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but the food distribution is uneven and unappetizing
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds linear movement capability to the rotational carousel, transforming it from a single-axis to a two-axis system. This enables the dispensing head to access multiple radial positions around the bowl, distributing ingredients evenly across the entire surface area rather than being constrained to fixed dispensing points.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a carousel apparatus, a support structure configured to hold a receptacle, and a linear actuator apparatus configured to move the support structure. The carousel apparatus includes: a holder in which a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings are formed, and a first motor coupled to the holder and adapted to rotate the holder around an axis. A linear actuator apparatus includes: a linear guide which extends underneath the holder and is coupled to the support structure, and a second motor coupled to the linear guide and adapted to move the support structure along the linear guide underneath the holder.