Enhanced automated food making apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking technologies require significant human intervention, learning, and time, and existing automated systems lack efficient mixing and chopping functions, necessitating user presence and pre-prepared ingredients.

Innovation Solution

A robotic cooking apparatus with a carousel system for ingredient storage and dispensing, integrated chopping mechanisms, and a stirrer system, along with automated mixing and heating, allowing for minimal human interaction and precise ingredient handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated cooking systems are implemented, then human time and effort are reduced, but the systems lack efficient mixing and chopping functions requiring user presence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of cooking processVSAvoiduser presence requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking system is divided into separate functional modules: a chopping module with blades that can be lowered into ingredient containers, a mixing module with a stirrer that rotates to mix ingredients, and a heating module. Each module operates independently and automatically, eliminating the need for user presence during cooking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ingredients are pre-loaded into containers on the carousel before the cooking process begins. The system automatically retrieves, chops, mixes, and heats ingredients without requiring users to manually prepare or add ingredients during cooking,实现真正的自动化.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated mixing and chopping functions are added, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stirrer serves multiple functions: it mixes ingredients in the cooking pot, transfers chopped ingredients from containers to the pot, and can be adjusted to different heights. The carousel system simultaneously stores multiple ingredient containers and rotates them into position. These multi-functional components reduce the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, balancing productivity gains with acceptable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The chopping blades and stirrer are integrated into a single assembly that can perform both chopping and mixing operations. The carousel combines ingredient storage, retrieval, and positioning functions in one rotating structure. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise ingredient handling is implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingredient measurement accuracyVSAvoidingredient dispensing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and quantity of ingredients in containers. The controller receives feedback from these sensors and adjusts the dispensing process accordingly, ensuring precise ingredient measurement and handling without requiring overly complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables automated food preparation with reduced human time and effort, efficient ingredient processing, and flexible recipe execution, minimizing user presence during cooking.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element works with a user interface and temperature sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

Induction cooktops allow a faster cooking process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

Microwave ovens allow efficient reheating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20250359707A1Enhanced automated food making apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 DOORDASH INC

AI summary

A method for operating an automated food making apparatus having a motor, actuator arm, and an apparatus. The apparatus may be a paddle with flexible fins. The method rotates the paddle with a pin-shaft mechanism to dispense an ingredient placed in a canister, controls the motor automatically based on weight sensor readings, and locates a position of the actuator arm with position sensors. The same motor dispenses ingredients from a plurality of canisters. The method may have a plurality of paddle rotation and weight measurement steps until a target weight is reached. The plurality of paddle rotation steps may be unidirectional or bidirectional paddle rotation. The paddle may be rotated according to one or more paddle rotation algorithms, an error recovery algorithm, or different algorithms based on the amounts of ingredients remaining in the canister. The paddle may be rocked until the target weight is achieved.