Culinary Preparation Handling System with Movable Transfer Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated pizza preparation systems require multiple handling devices, leading to increased complexity, risk of breakdown, and potential damage or defects in culinary preparations due to the use of various handling elements that can mark or pierce the preparations.

Innovation Solution

A single handling system with a support having pass-through openings and a transfer device with projecting portions that can move between low and high positions, allowing for the handling of culinary preparations without direct contact, using a handling tool with oblong elements to facilitate movement between different preparation stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple handling devices are used to convey preparations between stations, then the preparation can be conveyed through the preparation chain, but the size of automated machines increases, design and maintenance become more complex, and the risk of breakdown increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance capabilityVSAvoidnumber of handling devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple handling functions into a single handling device that can both load and unload preparations. The support device with pass-through openings and the transfer device with projecting portions work together as an integrated system, eliminating the need for separate handling devices for different operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single handling device performs multiple functions: it can load preparations onto supports, unload preparations from supports, and convey preparations between stations. The transfer device with movable projecting portions can adapt to different handling requirements, making the device universal for various operations in the preparation chain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If gripping elements are used to grasp preparations during handling, then the preparation can be conveyed, but marks are made on the preparation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidmarks on preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary support device with pass-through openings that acts as a mediator between the preparation and the handling mechanism. The preparation rests on the support rather than being directly grasped, and the support transfers the preparation through the cooking chamber without marking it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical gripping system with a support-based system. Instead of using gripping elements that directly contact and grasp the preparation, the system uses a support device that the preparation rests on, eliminating direct mechanical grasping and the associated marking problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If gripping elements and food pushers are used for loading and unloading, then the preparation can be moved, but the preparation can be damaged or pierced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading capabilityVSAvoidpreparation integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device serves as an intermediary that protects the preparation from direct contact with potentially damaging handling elements. The preparation rests on the support throughout the loading, cooking, and unloading process, eliminating the risk of damage or piercing from gripping elements and food pushers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If gripping elements are used to handle preparations, then the preparation can be conveyed, but significant repeated friction is caused on the support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidfriction on support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the gripping-based mechanical system with a support-based system. The preparation rests on the support device throughout handling operations, eliminating the friction between gripping elements and the support surface that occurs in traditional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10701943B2System for handling culinary preparations

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 EKIM

AI summary

A system for handling culinary preparations, which includes: a mounting (I) including an upper surface arranged to receive a culinary preparation, and a plurality of feedthroughs extending between the upper surface and a lower surface; a transfer device including a plurality of projecting portions; a relative movement system being arranged to position the system in a low position, in which no projecting portion projects relative to the upper surface of the mounting, and a high position, in which one end of at least one projecting portion is made to project through the feedthroughs, relative to the upper surface of the mounting; and a handling tool including oblong elements arranged to be inserted between projecting portions.