Robotic system for the cyclic preparation of a food product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic culinary systems lack the capability to efficiently and autonomously produce high-quality, layered ready-to-eat food products in industrial volumes under cooled conditions, with limitations in operational independence, product quality control, and exposure to external influences.
Innovation Solution
A robotic culinary system featuring a conveyor subsystem with an intelligent working member, automated refrigeration units, and dosing and distribution units, controlled by an intelligent device connected to a central server, ensuring precise layer-by-layer food component application and quality monitoring, with autonomous operation and protection from external influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing automatic culinary systems are used, then basic food preparation automation is achieved, but they cannot efficiently produce high-quality layered ready-to-eat food products in industrial volumes under cooled conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the food preparation process into distinct functional modules: automated refrigeration unit for storage, conveyor subsystem for transport, dosing and distribution units for ingredient application, and packaging device for final preparation. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the central controller, enabling high-volume production while maintaining quality control through standardized processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent device serves multiple functions: it controls the refrigeration unit, manages the conveyor system, operates dosing and distribution units, monitors product quality, and coordinates packaging. This centralized multi-functional control system enables the apparatus to handle various layered food products (sandwiches, burgers, pies) while maintaining consistent quality standards across different product types.
2Extent of automation
If existing culinary assistant robots are used, then manual culinary tasks can be partially automated, but they require constant human supervision and cannot operate autonomously
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate autonomously without constant human intervention. The intelligent device automatically controls all subsystems including the refrigeration unit, conveyor, dosing units, and packaging device. The system can independently manage the complete production cycle from ingredient storage to finished product packaging, requiring human input only for initial setup and periodic maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring mechanisms that provide feedback to the intelligent device, enabling automatic adjustments and corrections during operation. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain operational independence by self-regulating processes and detecting issues without requiring constant human supervision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If food preparation is performed in open environments, then accessibility is improved, but products are exposed to external influences that can compromise quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a nested structure where the food preparation and storage components are housed within the enclosed space of the automated refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit itself is positioned within the larger apparatus housing, creating protected nested environments that shield food products from external influences while maintaining organized, accessible functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses enclosed housings and protective barriers to separate the food preparation environment from the external atmosphere. These enclosures create controlled environments that protect food products from contamination while allowing the system to remain accessible for loading, monitoring, and maintenance through designated access points.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise layer-by-layer food component application is implemented, then product quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing and distribution units serve as intermediary devices between the central intelligent device and the food components. These units receive control signals from the intelligent device and automatically perform the precise application of ingredients to the food base, translating complex control requirements into simple, repeatable mechanical actions that achieve high precision without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
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 high-speed, error-free, and accurate production of high-demand ready-to-eat food products with improved technical and operational performance, maintaining product quality and increasing production potential while operating independently without constant human supervision.
Implementation Method 1
equipment for storage and primary supply of food or non-food bases 23, as well as a food preparation subsystem, which are arranged within the operating region of the conveyor subsystem. At the same time, the equipment for storage and primary supply of the food or non-food bases 23 is configured as an automated refrigeration unit
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system for preparing layered foodstuffs comprises a conveyor subsystem having an intelligent working member that travels through an equipped loading and unloading area, within the operating region of which are equipment for storing and supplying bases and, adjacent thereto, a food primary processing subsystem. The storage and supply equipment is configured in the form of an automated refrigeration unit having a rotating manipulator mechanism for the bases, which is combined with an integrated device for picking up and supplying the bases to an active surface of the working member for the subsequent culinary processing of said bases. The combined working of the different systems is controlled by an intelligent device connected to a central server, providing the high-speed, faultless and precise application of ingredients.