AUTOMATED EATABLE SLICING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An automated eatable slicing assistive device comprises a pair of elongated bodies 101 in a cross linked manner by means of a pivot joint 102 that allows bodies 101 to get tilted, a C-shaped handle 103 to acquire grip, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit for enabling user to provide input commands, a primary and secondary rectangular plate 104 with primary and secondary set of curved links 201 to extend, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 to determine dimension and shape of eatable, multiple motorized hinges 202 to orient primary and secondary set of links 201 in accordance determined shape, a motorized slider for providing translatory movement, a blade 203 for cutting of enclosed eatable, a laser sensor for determining thickness of the slices being cut, a temperature sensor for monitoring temperature of eatable and a pressure sensor for monitoring pressure applied on eatable.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated eatable slicing assistive device that is capable of cutting the eatables in accordance to the user-specified number of slices by evaluating the thickness of the slices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Eatables are cut in different size and shape as per requirement for the different applications like food preparation, presentation or the portion control. In all the application the shape, size and thickness of the eatable matters. Hence the proper cutting of the eatables is the basic requirement by any individual. The quantity of the presence of the oil in any of the eatables is monitored in all the application and needs to be removed if required. Knife, fork and many more tools are used in order to perform the application of the eatable cutting.

[0003] Traditionally, the eatables were cut manually in different size and shape. The manual process for cutting of the eatables becomes very time consuming and risky. The size and the shape of each of the slices of the eatables were also not the same as required. The thickness of the different slices vary from one to another as monitored. Thus, there exist a need to make an invention that is capable of cutting the eatables in a number of slices as required with equal thickness and the shape required for the various applications.

[0004] EP2559528A3 discloses about an invention that has a machine for cutting in a food intake held food in particular bread, sausage, meat or vegetables into individual slices, by a rotating band knife, the transverse to the longitudinal direction of the food by the food so often moves until all the desired slices are cut, the band knife is mounted on a band blade guide part and wherein food intake and band guide part relative to each other back and forth are movable. Although, EP'528 is able to cut the vegetable or eatables in different directions. However, the device in not able to cut the eatable in accordance to the required depth of the slices.

[0005] DK277990A discloses about an invention that has an apparatus for the automatic measuring and cutting of foodstuffs to produce portions of a predetermined size or weight comprising a conveyor for transporting the foodstuffs in a downstream direction, an ultrasonic measuring device adapted to take information on the shape and size of the foodstuffs as they are transported on the conveyor, a cutting device positioned downstream of the ultrasonic measuring device, and a control unit adapted to receive and process the information from the ultrasonic measuring device and then actuate the cutting of the foodstuffs by the cutting device into portions substantially equal to the predetermined size. Although DK'990 is able to cut the eatable in predetermined size and the required slices. However, the device is not able to monitor the intensity of the pressure applied by the device on the eatable while cutting the eatables.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are present in the market as mentioned in the prior arts that helps the user in cutting the eatables in different size and shape but lacks in cutting the eatable in accordance to the required depth of the slices and the number of the slices. The present devices also lacks in monitoring the intensity of the pressure applied by the device on the eatable while cutting the eatables.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the temperature and the applied pressure while cutting of the eatable for the specified depth to be cut. In addition, the device is also capable of cutting the eatable in specified number of slices and allowing the user to squeeze out the oil from the eatables.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of cutting the eatables in accordance to the user-specified number of slices by evaluating the thickness of the slices.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the temperature and the applied pressure while cutting of the eatable for the specified depth to be cut.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of allowing the user for squeezing out the oil present within the eatables at time of the cutting process.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is portable and reliable to nature.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to an automated eatable slicing assistive device that is capable of cutting the eatables in accordance to the user-specified number of slices by evaluating the thickness of the slices as well as monitoring the temperature and the applied pressure while cutting of the eatable for the specified depth to be cut.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated eatable slicing assistive device comprises a pair of elongated bodies each having a proximal and distal end, configured in a cross linked manner by means of a pivot joint that allows the bodies to get tilted towards/away from each other, the proximal ends are connected with a C-shaped handle that are accessed by a user to acquire grip for positioning the distal ends over an eatable, a computing unit, wirelessly assembled with the device for enabling the user to provide input commands regarding cutting of the eatable, a primary and secondary rectangular plate connected with the distal ends and arranged with primary and secondary set of curved links respectively to extend, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit integrated on one of the plates to determine dimension and shape of the eatable, multiple motorized hinges installed in each primary and secondary set of links to orient in accordance the determined shape, in such a manner that the eatable gets enclosed in between the primary and secondary set of links.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized slider integrated in between each set of the links and the plates for providing translatory movement to the primary and secondary set of links for maintaining an optimum gap between consecutive the links, a blade attached with the secondary set of links to extend for cutting of the enclosed eatable, a laser sensor is connected with one of the plates for determining thickness of the slices being cut, a temperature sensor is installed on one of the links for monitoring temperature of eatable, a pressure sensor is configured on one of the links for monitoring pressure applied on eatable and a depth sensor is assembled on one of the plates for monitoring depth of cut.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an automated eatable slicing assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of rectangular plate associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to an automated eatable slicing assistive device that is capable of monitoring the temperature and applied pressure while cutting of the eatable for the specified depth to be cut as well as cutting the eatable in specified number of slices and allowing the user to squeeze out the oil from the eatables.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 a perspective view of an automated eatable slicing assistive device and a perspective view of a rectangular plate associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprising a pair of elongated bodies 101 each having a proximal and distal end in a cross linked manner by means of a pivot joint 102, proximal ends are attached with a C-shaped handle 103, a primary and secondary rectangular plate 104 attached with the distal ends and configured with primary and secondary set of curved links 201, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 installed on one of the plates 104, multiple motorized hinges 202 integrated in each primary and secondary set of links 201, and a blade 203 integrated with the secondary set of links 201.

[0024] The proposed device includes a pair of elongated bodies 101 each having a proximal and distal end arranged in a cross linked manner by means of a pivot joint 102 that allows the bodies 101 to get tilted towards/away from each other on application of manual effort. The pivot joint 102 includes of a pair of U-shaped clamps attached together by means of threaded shaft which is further connect with a motor via a coupling. The threaded portion of the shaft is attaching the U-shaped clamp with each other, wherein the remaining portion of the shaft is attached with the motor via a coupling. While, one of the U-shaped clamps is attached with the one portion of the bodies 101 and the other part is attached to the second part of the body that allows the body to move the bodies 101 freely in the nature. The motor attached to the joint allows the body to move to get tilted towards/away from each other on application of manual effort. The proximal ends are attached with a C-shaped handle 103 that are accessed by a user to acquire grip for positioning the distal ends over an eatable that is to be sliced.

[0025] Further, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit, wirelessly associated with the device for enabling the user to provide input commands regarding cutting of the eatable into a specific number of slices. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the input data that is given by the user to be conveyed via the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) module. The communication module acts as a medium between user and device that process the input given by the user and trigger the microcontroller linked with the interface to process the fed number of slices and based on the processed data, the microcontroller evaluates thickness as per which the eatable is to be cut.

[0026] A primary and secondary rectangular plate 104 attached with the distal ends and configured with primary and secondary set of curved links 201 respectively. The primary and secondary set of curved links 201 used herein is powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the links 201. The piston is coupled to the links 201 penetrating the compressed air released from the compressor over the links 201. The valves used herein, are air valves installed between the compressor and piston that upon actuation enables release of the compressed air through the piston that leads to extension/retraction of the primary and secondary set of curved links 201.

[0027] As the thickness is evaluated, the microcontroller generates a relative command that is received by an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 installed on one of the plates 4 that determines dimension and shape of the eatable. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the eatable. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is real-time images of the eatable. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller.

[0028] The microcontroller upon receiving the signal, analyzes the information extracted from the received signal and determines the dimension and shape of the eatable. Based on the determined dimension and shape of the eatable, the microcontroller operates the primary and secondary set of curved links 201 to extend and allow the proper accommodation of the eatable within the links 201. Multiple motorized hinges 202 ranging from 8 to 10 in numbers integrated in each primary and secondary set of links 201 that are actuated by the microcontroller to orient the primary and secondary set of links 201 along with the extension of the primary and secondary set of links 201 in accordance the determined shape. The motorized hinges 202 used herein are operated using a DC motor. The DC motor is capable of converting the electrical energy arising from the direct current into the mechanical energy the aids in the movement of the motorized hinges 202 attached to the primary and secondary set of links 201 and orient the links 201 in such a manner that the eatable gets enclosed in between the primary and secondary set of links 201.

[0029] Further, a motorized slider installed in between each set of the links 201 and the plates 4 for providing translatory movement to the primary and secondary set of links 201 for maintaining an optimum gap between consecutive the links 201 in accordance to the evaluated thickness. The motorized slider used herein is powered by the DC motor that aids in the translatory motion of the slider that allows the movement of the primary and secondary set of links 201. This translatory motion on the links 201 results for each of the primary set of links 201 to extend and get aligned towards base of the eatable.

[0030] A laser sensor is integrated with one of the plates 4 for determining thickness of the slices being cut. The laser sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the eatable and back. The laser sensor emits a light towards the surface of eatable and when the laser beam hits the surface of the eatable, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor. Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the surface of the eatable. The sensor then calculates the time of reflecting back of the light and the calculated time is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to the microcontroller. Upon receiving the signals, the microcontroller determines the thickness of the slices being cut.

[0031] Upon determining the thickness of the eatable, the microcontroller directs the slider to adjust the gapping between two the primary and secondary set of links 201. A blade 203 integrated with the secondary set of links 201 to extend for cutting of the enclosed eatable. The blade 203 get extended by the operation of the pneumatic unit that is linked to the blade 203. A temperature sensor is integrated on one of the links 201 for monitoring temperature of eatable.

[0032] The temperature sensor consist of the different metals and the sensing element that is known as the thermopiles. The thermopiles are the thermocouples connected in series or parallel. When the sensor come in the contact of the eatable the temperature of the eatable gets absorbed and converted into heat wherein voltage output is produced in proportion to the absorbed heat. This voltage output are then converted into the electrical signal and transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal analyzes the temperature of the eatable and based on the detected temperature the microcontroller evaluates an intensity of pressure to be applied to cut the eatable appropriately.

[0033] Upon post evaluation of the intensity of pressure, the microcontroller actuates both set of the links 201 and the blade 203 to apply evaluated amount of pressure on the eatable to cut the slices. Therefore, a pressure sensor is integrated on one of the links 201 for monitoring pressure applied on eatable. The pressure sensor has the sensing element that is places of the links 201 that respond to pressure applied by the links 201 on the eatable while cutting. The pressure applied gets deflect the diaphragm that is present inside the pressure transducer. The deflection of the internal diaphragm is measured and converted into an electrical output. This electrical output is then transferred to the microcontroller that analyses the pressure applied on eatable.

[0034] In case the pressure is determined to be exceeding/receding evaluated pressure value, then the microcontroller directs both set of the links 201 and blade 203 to apply evaluated amount of pressure on the eatable to make precise cut on the eatable. As the user provides command regarding squeezing of oil from the eatable, then the microcontroller directs the blade 203 to retract and the user is needed to press both handle 103 close to each other in such a manner an optimum pressure is applied on eatable for squeezing oil from eatable.

[0035] Further, the command given by the user regarding the cutting of the eatables upto half of its depth, then the microcontroller directs the blade 203 and both set of the links 201 to cut the eatable accordingly. This cutting of the eatable on the user specified depth is monitored using a depth sensor is integrated on one of the plates 4. The depth sensor works by sending the waves to the cut slice of the eatable and waits for the wave to come back. The sensor upon receiving the reflected light converts it in the form of the digital bit signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal extract the information and analyses the depth of cut. Based on the monitored depth of the cut, the microcontroller directs the blade 203 and both set of the links 201 to cut the eatable.

[0036] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device that powers all electrical and electronically operated components of the device. A battery is a device that converts chemical energy contained within its active materials directly into electric energy by means of an electrochemical oxidation and provides the power supply to other components.

[0037] The present invention works well in the following manner where the pair of elongated bodies 101 arranged in the cross linked manner by means of the pivot joint 102 that allows the bodies 101 to get tilted towards/away from each other on application of manual effort. The C-shaped handle 103 are accessed by the user to acquire grip for positioning the distal ends over an eatable that is to be sliced. The computing unit enables the user to provide input commands regarding cutting of the eatable into a specific number of based on which the thickness of the slices are determined that is to be cut. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 determine dimension and shape of the eatable, according to the detected dimension, the microcontroller actuates the primary and secondary set of curved links 201 configured with primary and secondary rectangular plate 104 to extend. The motorized hinges 202 orient the primary and secondary set of links 201 along with the extension of the primary and secondary set of links 201 in such a manner that the eatable gets enclosed in between the primary and secondary set of links 201. The motorized slider provides the translatory movement to the primary and secondary set of links 201 for maintaining the optimum gap between consecutive links 201 in accordance to the evaluated thickness and get aligned towards base of the eatable and the blade 203 get extend for cutting of the enclosed eatable.

[0038] Additionally, the laser sensor determines the thickness of the slices being cut, in accordance to the determined thickness, the slider adjust the gapping between two the primary and secondary set of links 201. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of eatable, in accordance to determined temperature that is used to evaluate the intensity of pressure to be applied to cut the eatable appropriately. The set of the links 201 and the blade 203 operate to apply evaluated amount of pressure on the eatable to cut the slices. The pressure sensor monitors the pressure applied on eatable as well the user press both handle 103 close to each other in such a manner that the optimum pressure is applied on eatable for squeezing oil from eatable. In case the user provide command for cutting the eatable up to half of its depth, the blade 203 and both set of the links 201 cut the eatable accordingly, as the depth sensor monitors the depth of cut.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated eatable slicing assistive device, comprising:

i) a pair of elongated bodies 101 each having a proximal and distal end, arranged in a cross linked manner by means of a pivot joint 102 that allows said bodies 101 to get tilted towards/away from each other on application of manual effort, wherein said proximal ends are attached with a C-shaped handle 103 that are accessed by a user to acquire grip for positioning said distal ends over an eatable that is to be sliced;
ii) a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit, wirelessly associated with said device for enabling said user to provide input commands regarding cutting of said eatable into a specific number of slices, wherein a microcontroller linked with said interface, processes said fed number of slices and based on said processed data, said microcontroller evaluates thickness as per which said eatable is to be cut;
iii) a primary and secondary rectangular plate 104 attached with said distal ends and configured with primary and secondary set of curved links 201 respectively, wherein said microcontroller after evaluation of said thickness, generates a relative command that is received by an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 installed on one of said plates 4 to determine dimension and shape of said eatable, wherein in accordance to said detected dimension, said microcontroller actuates said primary and secondary set of curved links 201 to extend;
iv) plurality of motorized hinges 202 integrated in each primary and secondary set of links 201 that are actuated by said microcontroller to orient said primary and secondary set of links 201 along with said extension of said primary and secondary set of links 201 in accordance said determined shape, in such a manner that said eatable gets enclosed in between said primary and secondary set of links 201;
v) a motorized slider installed in between each set of said links 201 and said plates 4 that is actuated by said microcontroller for providing translatory movement to said primary and secondary set of links 201 for maintaining an optimum gap between consecutive said links 201 in accordance to said evaluated thickness, followed by which each of said primary set of links 201 extend and get aligned towards base of said eatable; and
vi) a blade 203 integrated with said secondary set of links 201, that are actuated by said microcontroller to extend for cutting of said enclosed eatable by means of said blade 203.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a laser sensor is integrated with one of said plates 4 for determining thickness of said slices being cut, in accordance to said determined thickness, said microcontroller directs said slider to adjust said gapping between two said primary and secondary set of links 201.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is integrated on one of said links 201 for monitoring temperature of eatable, in accordance to determined temperature said microcontroller evaluates an intensity of pressure to be applied to cut said eatable appropriately.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein post evaluation of said intensity of pressure, said microcontroller actuates both set of said links 201 and said blade 203 to apply evaluated amount of pressure on said eatable to cut said slices, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated on one of said links 201 for monitoring pressure applied on eatable, in case said pressure is determined to be exceeding/receding evaluated pressure value, then said microcontroller directs both set of said links 201 and blade 203 to apply evaluated amount of pressure on said eatable to make precise cut on said eatable.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said user provides command regarding squeezing of oil from said eatable, then said microcontroller directs said blade 203 to retract and said user is needed to press both handle 103 close to each other in such a manner an optimum pressure is applied on eatable for squeezing oil from eatable.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said user provide command for cutting said eatable upto half of its depth, then said microcontroller directs said blade 203 and both set of said links 201 to cut said eatable accordingly, wherein a depth sensor is integrated on one of said plates 4 for monitoring depth of cut, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs said blade 203 and both set of said links 201 to cut said eatable.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein both set of said links 201 and said blade 203 are linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said links 201 and said blade 203.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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