Cooking robot system and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking systems are limited in their ability to cook a variety of foods simultaneously and efficiently, requiring multiple appliances and incurring high operational costs due to labor-intensive preparation and limited menu options, especially in sparsely populated areas.
Innovation Solution
A portable, automated cooking robot system with a motion mechanism allowing 3 Degrees of Freedom movement for cooking pots, integrated heating elements, a stirring mechanism, and a dispenser assembly for efficient ingredient handling and cooking, enabling the preparation of multiple dishes simultaneously without compromising taste or flavor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cooking appliances are used to cook a variety of foods, then the variety of food items that can be cooked is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single cooking system capable of performing multiple cooking functions simultaneously. The system includes multiple cooking zones (steam cooking zone, hot air circulation zone, and direct heating zone) that can operate independently or in combination, allowing diverse food items to be prepared in one appliance rather than requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking chamber is divided into multiple functional zones with distinct cooking mechanisms. The steam generation unit, hot air circulation system, and direct heating elements are segmented into separate controllable zones, enabling independent operation for different food types while maintaining a unified device structure.
2Reliability
If manual food preparation is performed to ensure quality and consistency, then the taste and flavor of food are improved, but the labor cost and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated control mechanisms including temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and microprocessor-controlled heating elements that automatically adjust cooking parameters to maintain optimal conditions throughout the cooking process, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and cooking progress, and the microprocessor adjusts heating power and steam generation accordingly to maintain consistent cooking conditions and achieve reliable food preparation results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If restaurants operate to provide variety of freshly prepared food, then the quality and variety of meals are improved, but the operational costs and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous cooking operations with multiple zones operating simultaneously at different temperatures and modes. While one zone completes a cooking cycle, another zone can begin the next batch, maximizing utilization of the appliance and reducing idle time compared to sequential single-zone operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows pre-preparation of ingredients and simultaneous cooking of multiple dishes in different zones before service is needed. The ability to cook multiple items concurrently and store them in the heated environment maintains freshness without requiring continuous active cooking or large kitchen staff.
4Productivity
If cooking systems are designed to cook multiple foods simultaneously, then the productivity and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooking functions (steam cooking, hot air circulation, direct heating) into a single integrated chamber with shared structural components. The heating elements, steam generation unit, and air circulation system are merged into one cohesive device with unified control, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for flexible and efficient cooking of various meals with reduced labor costs and operational expenses, providing a cost-effective solution for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously while maintaining quality and flavor.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element arranged in the cooking robot system for heating the cooking pot and its content
Implementation Method 2
a heating element arranged in the cooking robot system for heating the cooking pot and its content
Implementation Method 3
a motion mechanism configured to allow the cooking pot to perform the movement in a 3 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) along a horizontal axis, a vertical axis and a rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is a cooking robot system. The system includes a housing, a pair of cooking pots, and a motion mechanism to allow each of the cooking pots to perform a movement in 3 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) along horizontal, vertical, and rotational axes. The motion mechanism includes a horizontal motion arrangement, a vertical motion arrangement, and a rotational motion arrangement. The cooking robot system further includes a pair of heating elements rotatably coupled to the rotational motion arrangement. The heating arrangements detachably engage the cooking pots for heating the cooking ingredient contained in the cooking pots. The cooking robot system further includes a stirring mechanism for stirring the contents of the cooking pots, an ingredient-holding container containing cooking ingredients, and a dispenser assembly for selectively dispensing the cooking ingredients contained within the ingredient holding container.