Multi-stage cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooking systems are inefficient in automating the process of cooking, transporting, and dispensing food ingredients, leading to high labor and operational costs due to the lack of integrated mechanisms for simultaneous cooking, stirring, and food handling.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive cooking system comprising multiple apparatuses, including a first cooking apparatus with baskets and holders for ingredient containment, and a second cooking apparatus with cookware and motion mechanisms for stirring and dispensing, along with a transfer apparatus for moving cooked food to containers, all controlled by a computer system for coordinated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cooking apparatuses are used for deep frying, stir frying, and food dispensing, then cooking functionality is comprehensive, but labor cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooking functions (deep frying, stir frying, food dispensing) into a single integrated cooking system. The system merges the first cooking apparatus for deep frying, the second cooking apparatus for stir frying, and the food dispensing mechanism into one coordinated unit, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive cooking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking system is designed with multi-functional capabilities where a single system can perform multiple cooking operations. The cookware can be used for both deep frying and stir frying, and the motion apparatus can perform both stirring and food dispensing functions, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling and transportation of food ingredients is performed, then operational simplicity is maintained, but labor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking system incorporates automatic food dispensing functionality where the cooked food is automatically transferred from the cookware to the food container through the motion apparatus. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual handling while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
3Productivity
If automated motion mechanisms are added for stirring and dispensing, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform both stirring and food dispensing operations. By using a single motion mechanism that can execute multiple actions, the system increases productivity without proportionally increasing mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring mechanism and food dispensing mechanism are merged into a single motion apparatus. This consolidation allows the system to achieve high productivity through automated operations while keeping the overall device complexity manageable by sharing common components and control systems.
4Extent of automation
If integrated cooking system is implemented, then labor cost is reduced, but initial investment and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple cooking functions and automated operations into a unified platform. By merging the deep frying apparatus, stir frying apparatus, and food dispensing system into one integrated unit, the patent achieves high automation level while managing system complexity through shared components and coordinated control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces labor and operational costs by automating the cooking process, ensuring efficient transportation and dispensing of cooked food, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid container configured to contain a liquid (e.g., oil for deep frying, water for boiling) and a heater configured to heat the liquid therein
Data Source
AI summary
The present application firstly discloses a cooking system including a second cooking apparatus and a first cooking apparatus, which is used to deep fry or boil a food or food ingredients. A semi-cooked food is produced in the first cooking apparatus and is used as an ingredient in the second cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatuses work together to produce a cooked food.