Flipping structure, ingredient loading device comprising the same, and automatic stir-fryer comprising the same

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic ingredient loading devices for stir-fryers face issues with unstable ingredient box positioning due to magnetic suction and occupy excessive space due to bulky mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A flipping structure with a rotating shaft, clamp blocks, and a moving module that uses a drive screw and positioning slide bars to precisely control the flipping of ingredient boxes, reducing the space required and enhancing stability by using a clearance fit and integrated connecting pieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic suction is used to attach the ingredient box to the flipping mechanism, then the ingredient box can be held in place, but the connection becomes unstable and positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic suction attachment mechanism with a mechanical clamp block system. The clamp block physically engages with the ingredient box through a clamping action, providing both stable connection and precise positioning. This mechanical substitution eliminates the instability and positioning errors inherent in magnetic suction while maintaining the ability to hold the ingredient box securely during the flipping operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If a transmission belt and linkage mechanism are used for flipping, then the ingredient boxes can be flipped automatically, but the device occupies large space and becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic flippingVSAvoiddevice space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the transmission belt and linkage mechanism from the system, retaining only the essential rotating shaft with clamp blocks for flipping. By removing the bulky transmission components while preserving the core automatic flipping function through direct motor-to-shaft connection, the device achieves automation without occupying excessive space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex transmission system to achieve flipping, the patent inverts the approach by making the rotating shaft itself the primary flipping element with clamp blocks directly mounted on it. This inversion simplifies the mechanism and reduces space requirements while maintaining automatic flipping capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20230200591A1Flipping structure, ingredient loading device comprising the same, and automatic stir-fryer comprising the same

Publication Date: 2023.06.29 SHANGHAI AICAN ROBOT GRP CO LTD

AI summary

A flipping structure includes an ingredient box, a container, a moving module and a driving mechanism. The container is configured to carry the ingredient box; the moving module is configured to directionally move the container; the driving mechanism is configured to flip the ingredient box; the driving mechanism includes a rotating shaft and at least one clamp block fixedly disposed on the rotating shaft; the ingredient box includes a front face, a back face, and a connecting piece. The connecting piece is fixed on the front face or the back face. The connecting piece includes a slot. When in use, the ingredient box moves with the container to face the at least one clamp block, and the at least one clamp block is nested in the slot. The clamp block is clamped in the slot through a clearance fit.