Automated Topping Dispensing Modules for Accurate Custom Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor-intensive process of customizing hamburgers and sandwiches in restaurants often results in mishandled food and incorrect orders due to the need for human input in assembling toppings.
Innovation Solution
A system that automates the dispensing of toppings onto edible vehicles using a series of topping modules with hoppers, blades, and retaining plates, allowing for the sequential and precise dispensing of toppings based on custom orders, with a conveyor system advancing vehicles through the modules to facilitate simultaneous assembly of multiple orders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual assembly of toppings is used, then customization is possible, but labor intensity increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the topping dispensing process into separate modules, each handling a specific topping type. Each module includes a hopper, blade, and retaining plate assembly that can be independently configured and maintained. This segmentation allows the system to achieve automation while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple topping types. The hopper-blade-retaining plate assembly can be configured for different toppings (cheese, meat, vegetables, etc.), allowing a single system design to serve multiple functions across different food items and toppings.
2Productivity
If manual topping assembly is used, then flexibility in customization is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Toppings are pre-loaded into hoppers in bulk quantities before the ordering process begins. The system prepares multiple topping modules in advance, each stocked with appropriate toppings, so that when an order comes in, the assembly process can proceed immediately without delays for individual topping preparation or retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation through multiple topping modules that can work in parallel. While one module is dispensing a topping, other modules are simultaneously preparing or dispensing different toppings, ensuring that the assembly process continues without interruption and maximizing productivity throughout the ordering period.
3Manufacturing precision
If human input is used for topping assembly, then adaptability to custom orders is possible, but manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-regulating mechanisms where the blade automatically slices through the topping and the retaining plate automatically retains and releases the topping serving based on the topping's physical properties. This self-service approach achieves consistent, accurate dispensing without requiring complex electronic sensors or control systems to monitor each dispensing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual human manipulation with a straightforward mechanical slicing and retaining mechanism. The blade mechanically cuts the topping to the desired portion size, and the retaining plate mechanically holds and releases the topping serving, providing consistent precision through simple, reliable mechanical action rather than complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method for dispensing toppings onto topping vehicles includes: indexing a first topping vehicle to a first position adjacent a first topping module, the first topping module comprising a first hopper containing a first topping of a first topping type; indexing a second topping vehicle to a second position adjacent a second topping module comprising a second hopper containing a second topping of a second topping type; retracting a first blade of the first topping module; advancing the first blade through the first topping; retracting a first retaining plate to dispense a topping slice from the first topping onto the first topping vehicle according to a first topping order for the first topping vehicle specifying the first topping type, the first retaining plate offset from the first blade opposite the first hopper; advancing the first retaining plate; and indexing the first topping vehicle to the second position.