Sensor-Guided Food Transfer Module for Variable Rack Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated food production systems face inefficiencies due to manual intervention, lack of adaptability to variable food item sizes and access locations, and limited space utilization, leading to increased labor costs and error-prone transfers in dynamic food service environments.
Innovation Solution
An automated food system with a transfer module featuring a frame, vertical drive, linear stage, and articulating arm assembly, equipped with sensors and processors, enables flexible three-dimensional movement and precise positioning of food items, accommodating various rack structures and access geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual intervention is used for food item transfer, then labor flexibility is maintained, but labor costs increase and error rates rise
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer module employs a robotic arm with multiple articulated joints that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to accommodate variable food item sizes and access locations. The system transitions from static rigid structures to dynamic movable components, enabling adaptive automation while managing complexity through controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer module is designed as a multi-functional system that can handle various food item types, sizes, and weights using the same robotic arm and end effector. The system provides universal automation capability across different food service environments, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby managing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid material handling systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to variable food item sizes and access locations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces rigid fixed structures with dynamic articulated robotic arms that can adjust their configuration in real-time. The robotic arm's multiple joints allow it to reach various access locations and accommodate different food item dimensions while maintaining operational stability through controlled movement and positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer module changes its operational parameters (position, orientation, speed, grip force) dynamically based on the detected food item characteristics and target location. This parameter adaptability enables the system to handle variable food item sizes and access locations while maintaining stable and precise transfers through real-time control adjustments.
3Productivity
If automated transfer systems are implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but space utilization is limited by equipment dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm assembly is nested within a compact frame structure, with components arranged in a space-efficient configuration. The articulated arms can fold or retract when not in use, and the end effector is integrated into the arm structure, minimizing the overall space footprint while maintaining full automation functionality and transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical space through the articulated robotic arm's ability to move in multiple dimensions, reducing the horizontal footprint. The robotic arm can reach laterally beyond the frame's perimeter while maintaining a compact base structure, effectively using three-dimensional space to achieve high productivity in limited floor space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed access point geometries are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but flexibility to accommodate various rack structures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect the actual position of food items and rack structures, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of the robotic arm's trajectory and the end effector's positioning, allowing the system to adapt to various rack structures and access geometries while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system transitions from fixed predetermined paths to dynamic adaptive trajectories. The robotic arm can adjust its movement path in real-time based on detected rack configurations and food item locations, providing versatility across different rack structures while maintaining manageable complexity through sensor-guided control.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated food system is provided that includes a vertically movable transfer module having an arm assembly with articulating arms and an end effector for transporting food items between storage, preparation, and cooking stations. The arm assembly is configured to extend laterally beyond the module frame and into a rack or adjacent station to retrieve or place items. A sensor mounted on the arm assembly detects spatial features of food items, enabling a processor to calculate location and size and control precise movement of the end effector. The system facilitates item transfer using coordinated vertical and planar motion based on sensor input.