Synchronized Skewer Extractor for Multi-Type Food Skewer Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kebab-making devices require manual positioning of skewers, which is time-consuming and prone to operator fatigue, and struggle to reliably hold different types of skewers, particularly flag or golf stakes, due to their flared ends.
Innovation Solution
A kebab-making apparatus with a movable carriage and a mobile spike extractor synchronized by mechanical means, capable of automatically positioning skewers of various types and shapes by using deformable retaining fingers and extraction blades, minimizing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning of skewers is used, then the device structure is simple, but the productivity is low and operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile spike extractor is designed to automatically position skewers on its own through synchronized movement with the carriage, without requiring manual intervention. The extractor moves autonomously between retraction and deployment positions, and the holding means automatically engage and disengage skewers based on the carriage position, making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including the mobile carriage that slides along the frame, the mobile spike extractor that moves between retracted and deployed positions, and the deformable holding means that adaptively engage skewers. These dynamic components enable automatic skewer positioning synchronized with food tray movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformable holding means are used, then various types of skewers are reliably held, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means utilize deformable elements that change their physical parameters (shape, flexibility) based on the skewer type being held. The deformability allows the holding means to adapt to different skewer diameters, shapes (including flared flag or golf stakes), and materials by modifying its engagement geometry, thereby achieving universal compatibility without requiring multiple specialized holders.
3Ease of operation
If automatic skewer positioning is implemented, then operator fatigue is reduced, but the synchronization mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism merges the movement functions of multiple components into a coordinated system. The mobile carriage simultaneously performs multiple functions: transporting food trays, triggering extractor deployment, and synchronizing skewer positioning. This consolidation of functions into a single synchronized mechanism reduces the need for separate control systems and minimizes operator intervention.
4Manufacturing precision
If the mobile spike extractor is synchronized with mobile carriage movement, then skewer positioning precision is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions by pre-retaining skewers on the mobile extractor during the carriage's rearward movement, before the actual skewering operation occurs. This preliminary retention and positioning ensures that skewers are correctly aligned and ready for precise insertion when the carriage moves forward, improving positioning accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for the manufacture of at least one skewer of food products using several skewer types, comprising a support structure (2) and a mobile carriage (3) mounted with the ability to slide on the support structure (2) between a forward position (PAV) and a rear position (PAR) and vice versa, said mobile carriage (3) comprising a lower plate (31) collaborating with an upper plate (32) that forms a cover, the upper plate (32) being mounted with the ability to move between an open position (PO) and a closed or folded-over position (PF), the lower and upper plates (31, 32) having recesses to hold food products, these recesses forming at least one row of cavities that are aligned when the upper plate (32) is folded over onto the lower plate (31), and at least one passage orifice (34) for the insertion of a skewer (6), which orifice opens along the axis of said at least one row of aligned cavities, the skewering of the food products housed in said at least one row of aligned cavities with said at least one skewer (6) being achieved by moving the mobile carriage (3) from the rear position (PAR) to the forward position (PAV), said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises: - at least one store (10) of skewers (6) and a mobile picker of skewers (6) configured to selectively pick at least one skewer (6) from said at least one store (10) and extract said at least one skewer (6) from said store (10), - synchronizing means configured to synchronize the movement of said mobile picker of skewers (6) with the movement of said mobile carriage (3), and - holding means (12) for holding said at least one skewer (6) on the mobile picker of skewers (6) in the skewering position.