Modular Satay Holders for Automated Hygienic Skewering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for composing satays are labor-intensive, require frequent manual operations, and pose hygiene concerns due to physical contact with food, while also being prone to mechanical issues and limited in producing satays of different sizes or using various vegetables.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a series of separate holders with recesses for food elements and a horizontal and vertical frame system that allows for automated skewering and easy handling, reducing manual labor and mechanical stress, and enabling the use of less expensive skewers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual skewering is used, then flexibility in handling different food items is maintained, but productivity is low and labor time is high
Solution Approach 1:
The holder automatically positions multiple food items in alignment during the skewering process, eliminating the need for manual positioning of each item. The skewer passes through pre-positioned food items that are held in place by the holder's structure, enabling automated high-speed production while maintaining consistency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent manual operations are performed, then adaptability to different satay compositions is achieved, but hygiene is compromised due to increased contact with food
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the satay composition process into separate functional holders: one for meat items and another for vegetable items. Each holder type is designed for specific food categories, allowing hygienic automated handling while maintaining the ability to create varied satay compositions by selecting different holder combinations.
3Extent of automation
If complex mechanical parts are used, then automation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The skewers are designed as disposable components that are used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical systems to clean, sterilize, and maintain reusable skewers, significantly improving reliability while maintaining high automation. The holders are simple, robust structures without moving parts that require minimal maintenance.
4Ease of manufacture
If heavy assembly work is required, then device functionality is enhanced, but ease of manufacture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses separate, standardized holder units that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled or disassembled. Each holder is a self-contained module with a specific function (meat or vegetables), allowing flexible configuration for different satay types without requiring complex overall assembly. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for composing a series of satays, comprising a series of separate holders (8), wherein each holder is provided with a series of recesses, a horizontal frame (4) and a vertical frame (5), wherein the horizontal frame is suitable for horizontally moving the holders up to the vertical frame, wherein the vertical frame is suitable for separately moving each holder vertically upwards, wherein the holders are kept in a horizontal position. The present invention also relates to a method for composing a series of satays.