Wok Device with Linear Motion Control for Automated Lid Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wok devices for full-automatic cooking machines are limited in their ability to automatically match with other devices due to fixed rotational positions, leading to inefficient cooking processes, particularly with the wok lid, which results in poor sealing and reduced cooking efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wok device with a wok, wok heating device, wok rotating device, wok working position controlling device, and wok moving control device, allowing the wok to rotate, turn, and move linearly to align with other devices, such as the wok lid, for improved automation and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wok device rotates or turns at a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the wok cannot be automatically matched with other devices such as the wok lid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the wok device from a fixed-position rotation system to a mobile system that can dynamically adjust its position along the circumferential direction. The wok supporting device is configured to move along the circumferential direction of the cooking cavity, enabling automatic alignment with different working positions and devices such as the wok lid, feeding device, and washing device. This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability without requiring complex fixed-position rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the wok supporting device with multi-functional capabilities. The same device not only supports the wok but also enables it to move to different positions for various operations including cooking with lid sealing, feeding, and washing. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform multiple roles, improving matching capability with other devices while avoiding the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function.
2Reliability
If the wok lid relies only on gravity to close the wok, then the structure is simple, but the sealing tightness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the simple gravity-based closing mechanism with a suction-based sealing system. The cooking machine includes a suction device that generates negative pressure to pull the wok lid tightly against the wok opening, achieving reliable sealing. This substitutes the insufficient gravitational force with a more effective suction force, improving sealing tightness without requiring complex mechanical linkage mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pneumatics by using a suction device that utilizes air pressure differential (negative pressure) to achieve tight sealing between the wok lid and the wok. The suction device creates a pressure difference that forces the lid onto the wok opening, providing reliable sealing. This pneumatic approach resolves the contradiction by achieving high reliability sealing through pressure control rather than complex mechanical fastening systems.
3Extent of automation
If the wok device cannot move linearly to align with the wok lid, then the automation level is low, but the control system is simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the wok supporting device to automatically move and position itself along the circumferential direction to align with different working positions. The device responds to control signals by autonomously adjusting its position for cooking, feeding, washing, and other operations. This automatic self-positioning capability increases automation level while keeping the control system relatively simple, as the device serves itself without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control system that receives signals about the required working position and automatically adjusts the wok supporting device's position accordingly. The control system monitors the operational state and directs the wok to move to the appropriate position for each task. This feedback mechanism enables automatic matching with different devices while maintaining manageable control system complexity through straightforward position-based control logic.
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
Enhances the automation of the cooking machine by enabling precise alignment and sealing with the wok lid, improving cooking efficiency and stability during operations.
Implementation Method 1
a wok heating device adapted for heating the wok
Data Source
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AI summary
A wok device for full-automatic cooking machines comprises a wok (10), a wok heating device (11), a wok rotating device (12), a wok working position controlling device (13) and a wok moving control device (14); the wok heating device (11) is adapted for heating the wok (10); the wok rotating device (12) controls the wok (10) to rotate around a central axis of the wok (10); the wok working position controlling device (13) is adapted for fixing the wok (10) on the wok moving control device (14) and controlling the wok (10) to turn to reach a corresponding working position for corresponding operation; the wok moving control device (14) controls the wok working position controlling device (13) to move directionally in the cooking machine so as to drive the wok (10) to move directionally in the cooking machine. By means of the wok moving control device, the wok device control the wok to move on the basis of original wok which can be turned to change the working positions, so that the wok can be matched with other device such as a wok lid, the automation of the automatic cooking machine is further improved, and the working efficiency of the automatic cooking machine is improved.