En Route Food Preparation Modules for Timed Delivery Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food supply chains lack the capability for efficient en route food product preparation, as they typically require pre-prepared ingredients and do not allow for real-time adjustment of food preparation processes based on travel information and food product specifications.
Innovation Solution
A modular system for en route food product preparation, featuring a container with re-configurable anchor systems, intake and delivery ports, and an on-board controller that determines preparation steps and timing based on travel, food items, and food product information, enabling robotic devices to autonomously prepare food products during transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If food products are pre-prepared at processing facilities and transported to destinations, then food safety and quality control are maintained, but delivery time and flexibility are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary food preparation actions at the processing facility (washing, cutting, portioning) before transport, but completes the final cooking/preparation en route. This allows ingredients to be pre-processed for safety while finishing preparation at the destination, reducing delivery time without compromising food safety
Solution Approach 2:
The food preparation process is segmented into multiple stages: pre-preparation at the facility, transport of semi-prepared ingredients, and final preparation en route or at destination. This segmentation allows different stages to occur at optimal locations, improving both safety and timing
2Device complexity
If conventional food supply chains transport pre-prepared ingredients, then logistics are simplified, but en route food product preparation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery vehicle is equipped with multi-functional equipment that can perform multiple food preparation tasks (cooking, heating, assembling) in addition to its primary delivery function. This allows the same vehicle to handle both simple transport and complex en route preparation depending on needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions: it can switch between simple transport mode and en route preparation mode. The preparation process parameters (temperature, time, sequence) are dynamically adjusted based on travel information and food product requirements
3Productivity
If food preparation equipment is fixed in processing facilities, then manufacturing efficiency is high, but flexibility in handling various food items and routes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The food preparation system is divided into modular, movable components that can be configured in different arrangements within the delivery vehicle. This modular approach maintains efficiency through standardized processes while enabling flexibility in equipment configuration for different food items and route conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are generally described for delivery vehicles and containers for en route food product preparation. Modular food product preparation systems that may receive food items and supplies and prepare food product(s) en route such that the food product(s) is prepared by the time the system reaches a delivery destination may include trucks, railway cars, watercraft, and similar vehicles. Food preparation process steps and timing may be determined based on travel information (e.g., delivery destination, routes, etc.), as well as, food item and food product information. An on-board controller may determine the process steps and timing(s) and control operations of robotic devices arranged modularly in a container or vehicle to execute steps of the food preparation process. Alternatively or additionally, the on-board controller may receive instructions from a remote controller. Travel parameters of the vehicle may also be adjusted based on the food preparation process and/or travel information.