Robotic system for cooking food products and method for using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for cooking and deep-frying food products are complex, expensive, and maintenance-intensive, lacking simplicity, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system comprising a horizontally and vertically displaceable robotic arm with opposing gripping members, a cooking reservoir basin with a basket flipping plate, a means for heating oil, and a control panel for directing the robotic arm, along with an optional hopper for supplying food products, enabling efficient cooking and deep-frying of food items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex robotic systems are used for cooking and deep-frying food products, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into distinct functional modules: a robotic arm assembly for manipulation, a cooking reservoir basin for food preparation, a basket flipping plate for drainage, and a control panel for operation. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve automation through coordinated simple components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm with opposing gripping members serves multiple functions: picking up food baskets, positioning them in the cooking reservoir, removing cooked food, and shaking baskets for drainage. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate specialized mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining automation.
2Extent of automation
If complex robotic systems are used for cooking and deep-frying food products, then automation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs simple, easily manufactured components such as the robotic arm with basic gripping members, standard cooking reservoir basins, and conventional heating elements. These components can be produced at low cost using standard manufacturing processes, making the automated system economically viable compared to complex robotic solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel enables automated operation with minimal human intervention, allowing the system to perform cooking tasks autonomously. The robotic arm automatically positions baskets, the heating element cooks food, and the basket flipping plate drains oil, reducing the need for complex control systems and specialized components that would increase manufacturing cost.
3Extent of automation
If complex robotic systems are used for cooking and deep-frying food products, then automation capability is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design with separate robotic arm, cooking reservoir, heating element, and control panel allows individual components to be easily accessed, inspected, and maintained. If one component requires maintenance, others remain functional, simplifying repair operations and reducing downtime compared to integrated complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, durable components that are easy to replace if worn or damaged. The robotic arm's gripping members, the cooking reservoir, and heating elements are designed for straightforward replacement, reducing maintenance complexity and costs compared to sophisticated robotic mechanisms.
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 provides a simplified, durable, and cost-effective means for cooking and deep-frying food products, ensuring efficient operation and easy control through a graphical user interface, allowing for automated food preparation with reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
means for heating oil in the cooking reservoir basin
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system for cooking food products, including: (a) a robotic arm, wherein the robotic arm includes a pair of opposing gripping members, and wherein the robotic arm is horizontally displaceable within a first plane, vertically displaceable within a second plane, and pivotally displaceable about a first axis; (b) a cooking reservoir basin for containing oil, wherein the cooking reservoir basin includes a basket flipping plate, and one or more basket holders; (c) a cooked food products basin for containing cooked food products; (d) means for heating oil in the cooking reservoir basin; (e) an optional hopper for supplying food products; and (f) a control panel for controlling/directing the robotic arm.