Modular Robotic Kitchen System for High-Speed Customized Food Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen robotic systems face challenges in creating food dishes according to individual author's recipes with high performance and market competitiveness due to complexity, non-standard designs, and limited ability to replicate human-like precision and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled robotic culinary machine with a food distribution system and conveyor system, featuring robotic metering modules and two-coordinate carrier tables, controlled by an intelligent device to synchronize and move ingredients along a tailored route for high-speed, high-quality food preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic manipulator with gripping device is used to hold and place food orders, then automation of food distribution is achieved, but the system complexity and integration difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: a conveyor system for transporting food bases, a separate food distribution system with multiple robotic dispensers, and a control system. Each module operates semi-independently, reducing integration complexity while maintaining high automation. The conveyor table moves bases sequentially under different dispensers, allowing each dispenser to be independently controlled and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor table serves multiple functions: it transports food bases between dispensers, positions them for different topping applications, and sequences the preparation process. The single conveyor mechanism handles the entire workflow from base delivery to finished product collection, reducing the need for multiple specialized robotic manipulators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple food dispensers are integrated into one system, then diverse food dishes can be prepared, but the device complexity and non-standard design increase
Solution Approach 1:
The food distribution system uses multiple independent dispensers, each responsible for a specific food component or topping. Each dispenser can be independently configured, maintained, and replaced without affecting others. This modular approach allows diverse dish preparation while keeping individual components simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of dispensers based on different recipes and food orders. The conveyor system can adjust the sequence and timing of base delivery to match different preparation requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables diverse dish preparation without requiring permanent complex integration of all possible dispensers.
3Extent of automation
If a specialized robotic manipulator is designed to replicate human hand movements, then manual labor can be replaced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to fully replicate the complexity of human hands, the system uses simplified robotic dispensers that copy only the essential functions needed for food distribution: precise positioning, controlled dispensing, and sequential operation. Each dispenser copies the function of a specific manual task (e.g., placing cheese, adding sauce) without attempting to reproduce human dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simpler, more easily manufactured robotic components that can be produced at lower cost and replaced more easily if needed. Rather than investing in extremely complex, expensive robotic manipulators, the patent employs multiple simpler dispensers that achieve the same functional result with greater manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
The proposed kitchen equipment relates to the field of professional kitchen systems. A kitchen complex comprises a food distribution system and a conveyor system for cooperation therewith. The food distribution system is configured in the form of a set of robotized metering modules for topping a given number of incoming pre-prepared food bases with portions of edible ingredients. The conveyor system is comprised of at least two robotized functionally synchronized two-coordinate carrier tables mounted on supporting conveyance equipment, at the end sections of which are peripheral platforms for temporarily receiving the two-coordinate carrier tables. Said tables are capable of moving along a pre-determined route controlled by a control device according to pre-established parameters of a requested food item that are completely or partially moved by transfer equipment from an independently movable working platform of one two-coordinate carrier table to an independently movable working platform of the other two-coordinate carrier table.