Two-level food system for the step-by-step preparation of restaurant-style dishes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food production systems lack high technical and operational performance, suffer from inaccuracies and low productivity due to mechanical operation, require constant manual intervention, and have limitations in continuous production and product storage and distribution, leading to inefficiencies and potential quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual automatic system with two independent production levels, comprising cold-cycle and hot-cycle subsystems, utilizing a two-coordinate carrier table and computer-controlled conveyor system for precise ingredient application and heat treatment, enabling high-speed and accurate production of various food products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical operation is used in food production systems, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and productivity deteriorate due to inaccuracies and low speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated computer-controlled system. The controller automatically controls the conveyor device and heating device, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining precise ingredient application through automated timing and positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the food production system automatically performs all operations including ingredient application, conveyor movement, and heating without requiring constant manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically managing the production cycle from raw materials to finished product.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used in food production systems, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and continuous operation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation capability through an automated system that can run without interruption. The conveyor device continuously transports food products through the heating zone, and the system maintains continuous production cycles without requiring personnel changes, container replenishment, or periodic maintenance stops.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operations are replaced with automated computer-controlled mechanisms that manage ingredient distribution, conveyor movement, and heating processes, enabling high-speed continuous production while simplifying operator role to monitoring and system management.
3Device complexity
If conventional food production systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but extent of automation deteriorates, requiring constant manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with computer-based automation. The controller automatically manages the conveyor device timing, heating device operation, and coordinates the entire production process, achieving high automation while keeping the physical system structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs multiple functions through integrated control: ingredient application timing, conveyor movement control, heating temperature management, and production cycle coordination, all managed by a single computer controller that enhances automation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional production systems are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity and operational performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuous production by eliminating idle time between operations. The conveyor device continuously moves food products through processing stages, and the automated coordination ensures no interruption in the production flow, significantly increasing output volume while maintaining straightforward system construction.
5Device complexity
If mechanical operations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and quality control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Manual ingredient application is replaced with automated controlled mechanisms that precisely dose and distribute ingredients at specific timing points. The computer controller ensures accurate ingredient distribution by coordinating the release mechanism with conveyor position, achieving high precision without complex mechanical structures.
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
The system achieves high efficiency, positional accuracy, and speed in food processing, ensuring high-quality and diverse food production with continuous operation, addressing the limitations of existing systems by providing a universal composite two-level system for preparing molded culinary products.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (6) arranged to heat the food product to a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device (7) arranged to cool the food product to a predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed invention relates to the field of automatic high-tech professional food equipment for producing moulded, fast-cooked food items. An automatic dual system for producing food items comprises a pair of independent cold-cycle preparation subsystems and, connected thereto, a hot-cycle preparation subsystem. The cold-cycle subsystems are divided into a part for the preparation and temporary storage of food bases, a food distribution part, and a conveyor part. The hot-cycle preparation subsystem is divided into an in-motion heat treatment part, and a part for the temporary storage and release of the finished product. The overall operation of the equipment is controlled by a computer system having program control over means for transferring a finished or a partially finished product, said means being disposed within the limits of the initial sections of the conveyor parts. The result is increased productivity.