AUTOMATED ICE CREAM CONE MANUFACTURING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated ice cream cone manufacturing device comprises of, a platform 1 positioned on a ground surface and installed with plurality of omnidirectional wheels 2 via plurality of telescopically operated rods 3 for allowing maneuvering of the platform 1 on a ground surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 mounted on the platform 1 for detecting the user’s height, a semi- circular extendable member 5 installed with the platform 1 to extend, a speaker 6 mounted on the platform 1 for notifying the user to accommodate a wafer in the member, a drawer arranged member as per user-defined dimensions of the cone required, an L-shaped telescopically operated link 7 equipped with a conical body 8 constructed with a disc 9 attached with plurality of extendable plates 10 to extend/retract, and an expandable pulley arrangement 11 integrated in the disc 9 for increasing/decreasing diameter of the disc 9.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated ice cream cone manufacturing device that is capable of providing a means to manufacture ice cream cone from wafer as per user-specified dimension without any requirement of physical efforts thereby reduce chances of error in making the ice-cream cone.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Waffle cone is a crispy, cone-shaped pastry commonly used to serve ice cream. It is made by cooking a batter on a waffle cone maker or iron, resulting in a textured, grid-like pattern. Waffle cones add a crunchy element to the ice cream, experience and are often enjoyed for their delicious taste and convenient handheld form. Their convenience as an edible vessel eliminates the need for separate dishes. The making of waffle cone is still a challenge even for a skilled worker as the shape of cone is difficult to form and there are high chances of waffle breakage.

[0003] Cone waffle is formed by using various machines like non tick electric cone maker, cone maker with cone mold etc. These devices are easily available and easy to use. However, these devices require a skilled worker and a bunch of waffle is wasted during the process. Nowadays, different devices are used for the manufacturing of cone waffle like electric wafer cone making machine, ice cream cone maker set etc. These easily form numbers of cone waffle in an infinitesimal time. However, these devices are not able fold the waffle into a triangular structure and does not aid a user in forming a waffle cone with different dimension.

[0004] EP1346677A2 discloses about a prior ice cream cone baking machines were manually raised and lowered, causing the cone to be sometimes overcooked or burnt. The present invention automatically raises the upper cooking plate after a preset cooking time, and maintains the baked cake at a warm temperature until removed from the lower cooking plate.

[0005] US4651634A discloses about a custom cone machine for the use on or off the place of dispersement for use of edible containers to serve varying types of food, such as dairy products, salads, etc. fresh and of varying ingredients commensurate with the type of food served. The machine is fully automatic in the timing, cooking and ejection of the finished cone. The injection of the batter requiring approximately 3 seconds, is with a hand-held batter injector that does not require any particular skill in its use. Due to is being automatic in all phases of the cooking and ejection cycle, eliminates the handling of hot cones and equipment by the operator and is a distinct safety advantage over the present on-site cone making machines. Due to its unique injection and cycling action varying shapes, designs and sizes of food or dairy products, edible serving containers can be produced in a like manner as of the cones by the design and shape of the cooking heads.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of manufacture ice cream cone. However, these devices are incapable of manufacturing ice cream cone from wafer as per user-specified dimension and fails in reducing physical efforts of the user in the overall process. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in compressing wafer with appropriate application of pressure and are insufficient in cutting edge of the manufactured cone in view of providing an even finishing to the cone.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for manufacturing ice cream cone from wafer as per user-specified dimension without any requirement of physical efforts thereby reduce chances of error in making the ice-cream cone. In addition, the developed device should also compress wafer with appropriate application of pressure and accordingly cut edge of the manufactured cone in view of providing an even finishing to the cone.

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 manufacturing ice cream cone from wafer as per user-specified dimension without any requirement of physical efforts thereby reduce chances of error in making the ice-cream cone.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of compressing wafer with appropriate application of pressure and accordingly cut edge of the manufactured cone in view of providing an even finishing to the cone.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0012] 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

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated ice cream cone manufacturing device that is capable of carrying out manufacturing of ice cream cone from wafer as per user-specified dimension without any requirement of physical efforts thereby reduce chances of error in making the ice-cream cone. Additionally, the proposed device also provides reliability and works in an efficient manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated ice cream cone manufacturing device comprises of, a platform positioned on a ground surface and installed with plurality of omnidirectional wheels via plurality of telescopically operated rods for allowing maneuvering of the platform on a ground surface, a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands regarding dimensions of an ice cream to be manufactured, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the platform for detecting the user's height, a semi-circular extendable member installed with the platform to extend, a speaker mounted on the platform for notifying the user to accommodate a wafer in the member, a drawer arranged member as per user-defined dimensions of the cone required, an L-shaped telescopically operated link installed on the platform and equipped with a conical body constructed with a disc attached with plurality of extendable plates to extend/retract, and an expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the disc for increasing/decreasing diameter of the disc.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, plurality of motorized hinges incorporated between the plates for tilting the plates towards/away from each other in view of increasing dimensions of the body in a manner to compress the wafer between the member and body, thus shaping the wafer into the ice cream cone, a telescopically operated gripper installed with the platform, for taking out the cone from the member, a robotic arm arranged on the platform for cutting edge of the cone via a cutter equipped with the robotic arm in view of providing an even finishing to the cone, plurality of pressure sensors are installed with the plates for detecting pressure applied by the plates on the wafer, and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] 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

[0017] 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 an isometric view of an automated ice cream cone manufacturing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated ice cream cone manufacturing device that is capable of providing a means for manufacturing ice cream cone from wafer as per user-specified dimension without any requirement of physical efforts thereby reduce chances of error in making the ice-cream cone. In addition, the proposed device also compress wafer with appropriate application of pressure and accordingly cut edge of the manufactured cone in view of providing an even finishing to the cone.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated ice cream cone manufacturing device is illustrated, comprising a platform 1 installed with multiple omnidirectional wheels 2 via multiple telescopically operated rods 3, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 mounted on the platform 1, a semi-circular extendable member 5 installed with the platform 1, a speaker 6 mounted on the platform 1, an L-shaped telescopically operated link 7 installed on the platform 1 and equipped with a conical body 8 constructed with a disc 9 attached with multiple extendable plates 10, an expandable pulley arrangement 11 integrated within the disc 9, multiple motorized hinges 12 incorporated between the plates 10, a telescopically operated gripper 13 installed with the platform 1, a robotic arm 14 arranged on the platform 1 and a cutter 15 equipped with the robotic arm 14.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a platform 1 utilized to develop and position on a ground surface and installed with multiple omnidirectional wheels 2 ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers via multiple telescopically operated rods 3 ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers for allowing movement of the platform 1 on a ground surface. Herein, a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device that is access by a user to give input commands regarding dimensions of an ice cream to be manufactured.

[0024] The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received from the user is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in 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). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to process the input given by the user.

[0025] Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 mounted on the platform 1 for detecting the user's height. The imaging unit 4 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to detect the user's height. The AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encrypted with the processor linked with the imagining module to enhance its functionality and capabilities. The AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images captured by the camera enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision-making.

[0026] The camera, herein captures images of the user with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information present in the images.

[0027] The camera is capable of analysing the user and providing real-time updates or alerts about the user based on predefined rules or criteria. Herein, based on extraction of the data from the captured images, the microcontroller analyzes the data to detect the user's height. Based on detecting the user's height, the microcontroller actuates the rods 3 to extend/retract for allowing the user to comfortably access the platform 1. The rods 3 are equipped with a pneumatic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide extension and retraction of the rods 3. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor.

[0028] Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends due to which the rods 3 extend to allow the user to comfortably access the platform 1. After that the microcontroller activates a speaker 6 mounted on the platform 1 for notifying the user to accommodate a wafer in the member. The speaker 6, herein includes a diaphragm, which is typically made of a lightweight and rigid material like paper, plastic, or metal. It is designed to vibrate and produce sound waves when electrical signals are fed to it.

[0029] A voice coil (a tightly wound coil of wire) attached with the diaphragm of the speaker 6. The voice coil is suspended within a magnetic gap. When an electrical current flows through the coil, it interacts with the magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly, resulting in a force that moves the coil. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field within the speaker 6. It consists of a permanent magnet and a metal structure, such as a pole piece or a magnet plate. The magnet assembly provides a fixed magnetic field through which the voice coil moves. The strength and configuration of the magnet assembly influence the performance and efficiency of the speaker 6.

[0030] The cone/diaphragm is connected to the speaker 6's frame via a suspension unit, which includes the surround and spider. When the electrical signal passes through the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the fixed magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly. As the electrical current varies, the magnetic field produced by the voice coil changes, resulting in the voice coil and attached cone/diaphragm moving back and forth. This movement creates pressure variations in the surrounding air, generating sound waves to generate the audible sound to notify the user to accommodate a wafer in the member.

[0031] After that the microcontroller actuates a semi- circular extendable member 5 installed with the platform 1 via a drawer arrangement arranged in the member as per user-defined dimensions of the cone required. The drawer arrangement comprises of a carriage assembly and a DC (direct current) motor that works in collaboration to extend and retract the member. The carriage assembly fitted with two rails that are used for sliding the block up and down. The block opening located at the end of the rail and have two clips that are used to secure the ring with the barrel. To extend the drawer, the drawer is pushed to open and the carriage assembly slide outward. This creates an opening to allow extension and retraction of the member as per user-defined dimensions of the cone required.

[0032] Further, upon detection of wafer within the member, via the imaging unit 4, the microcontroller actuates an L-shaped telescopically operated link 7 installed on the platform 1 and equipped with a conical body 8 extend for inserting the body within the member. The link is equipped with the pneumatic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide extension and retraction of the link to insert the body within the member. After that the microcontroller actuates an expandable pulley arrangement 11 integrated within a disc 9 attached multiple extendable plates 10 constructed over the disc 9 to increasing/decreasing diameter of the disc 9. The pulley arrangement 11 comprises of multiple links attached to a central rotating disc 9 that gets rotated at a uniform speed via a motorized pinion gear conjoined with a central disc 9. A motor is paired with the gear that is activated by the microcontroller for providing a rotational motion to the gear. Upon rotating of the pinion gears in anti-clockwise, then the central disc 9 starts rotating in a clockwise direction that helps in thrusting studs fastened with links in outward orientation results in expansion of the pulley.

[0033] Similarly, the pinion gear starts rotating clockwise, then the central disc 9 starts rotating in an anti-clockwise direction that helps in thrusting studs fastened with links in inward orientation that in turn contract the pulley to contract the structure. The expansion and contraction of the disc 9 to increase and decrease diameter of the disc 9. After that the microcontroller actuates the plates 10 to extend/retract. The plates 10 are equipped with the pneumatic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide extension and retraction of the plates 10.

[0034] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates multiple motorized hinges 12 incorporated between the plates 10 for tilting the plates 10 towards/away from each other in view of increasing dimensions of the body in a manner to compress the wafer between the member and body. The hinge typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis. It usually consists of two parts: a stationary component and a moving component. The stationary component is securely attached to one part of the plates 10, while the moving component is connected to the other part that needs to rotate that enables in rotating the plates 10 for tilting the plates 10 towards/away from each other in view of increasing dimensions of the body in a manner to compress the wafer between the member and body, thus shaping the wafer into the ice cream cone.

[0035] Further, upon shaping of the wafer into the cone, as detected via the imaging unit 4, the microcontroller actuates the link to retract and actuates a telescopically operated gripper 13 installed with the platform 1 gripper 13 for taking out the cone from the member. The gripper 13 is equipped with the pneumatic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide extension and retraction of the gripper 13 to grip the cone from the member. After that the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 14 arranged on the platform 1 for cutting edge of the cone via a cutter 15 equipped with the robotic arm 14. The robotic arm 14 comprises of a shoulder, elbow and wrist. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm that allows the upper part of the arm to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm and attached to the end effector that works as hand to position the cutter 15 in contact with the cone.

[0036] After that the microcontroller actuates the cutter 15 to cur the edge of the cone. The cutter 15 is coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide circular motion to the cutter 15. The working principle of a DC motor is based on the interaction between a magnetic field and an electric current. When an electric current flows through the coil of wire, also known as the armature, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the fixed magnets, known as the stator, causing the armature to rotate. The rotation is achieved by reversing the direction of the current flow in the armature coil using a commutator and brushes that provide continuous movement of the motor results in providing circular motion to the cutter 15 for cutting the edges of the cone in view of providing an even finishing to the cone.

[0037] Multiple pressure sensors are integrated within the plates 10 for detecting pressure applied by the plates 10 on the wafer. The pressure sensor includes a sensing element that is the core component that directly interacts with the pressure being measured. It typically consists of a diaphragm or a membrane that deforms under the applied pressure. When pressure is applied to the sensing element, it causes a diaphragm or membrane present within the sensor to flex or deform. The amount of deformation is proportional to the applied pressure. The deformation of the sensing element is converted into a measurable electrical signal. The pressure sensor uses strain gauges, which are resistive elements that change their electrical resistance when stretched or compressed. The strain gauge is bonded to the diaphragm, and the pressure-induced deformation causes a change in resistance.

[0038] This change in resistance is then measured and converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal produced by the transduction mechanism is weak or in a non-optimal format for further processing. Signal conditioning circuitry is employed to amplify, filter, and modify the signal to ensure accuracy and compatibility with the intended application. The processed electrical signal is provided as an output from the pressure sensor and detect pressure applied by the plates 10 on the wafer. If the detected pressure exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller regulates working of the arrangement, plates 10 and hinges to work in collaboration for reducing the pressure, thus preventing the wafer from breaking.

[0039] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0040] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the platform 1 positioned on a ground surface and installed with plurality of omnidirectional wheels 2 via plurality of telescopically operated rods 3 for allowing maneuvering of the platform 1 on a ground surface, a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands regarding dimensions of an ice cream to be manufactured, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 mounted on the platform 1 for detecting the user's height, a semi- circular extendable member 5 installed with the platform 1 to extend, a speaker 6 mounted on the platform 1 for notifying the user to accommodate a wafer in the member, a drawer arranged member as per user-defined dimensions of the cone required, an L-shaped telescopically operated link 7 installed on the platform 1 and equipped with a conical body 8 constructed with a disc 9 attached with plurality of extendable plates 10 to extend/retract, and an expandable pulley arrangement 11 integrated in the disc 9 for increasing/decreasing diameter of the disc 9. Further, the of motorized hinges 12 incorporated between the plates 10 for tilting the plates 10 towards/away from each other in view of increasing dimensions of the body in a manner to compress the wafer between the member and body, thus shaping the wafer into the ice cream cone, a telescopically operated gripper 13 installed with the platform 1, for taking out the cone from the member, a robotic arm 14 arranged on the platform 1 for cutting edge of the cone via a cutter 15 equipped with the robotic arm 14 in view of providing an even finishing to the cone, plurality of pressure sensors are installed with the plates 10 for detecting pressure applied by the plates 10 on the wafer.

[0041] 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 persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated ice cream cone manufacturing device, comprising:

i) a platform 1 positioned on a ground surface and installed with plurality of omnidirectional wheels 2 via plurality of telescopically operated rods 3 for allowing maneuvering of said platform 1 on a ground surface, wherein a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a user to give input commands regarding dimensions of an ice cream to be manufactured;
ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 mounted on said platform 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said user, respectively for detecting said user's height, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates said rods 3 to extend/retract for allowing said user to comfortably access said platform 1;
iii) a semi- circular extendable member 5 installed with said platform 1, wherein upon actuation of said rods 3, said microcontroller activates a speaker 6 mounted on said platform 1 for notifying said user to accommodate a wafer in said member, followed by actuation of said member to extend via a drawer arranged member as per user-defined dimensions of said cone required;
iv) an L-shaped telescopically operated link 7 installed on said platform 1 and equipped with a conical body 8 constructed with a disc 9 attached with plurality of extendable plates 10, wherein upon detection of said wafer within said member, via said imaging unit 4, said microcontroller actuates said link to extend for inserting said body within said member;
v) an expandable pulley arrangement 11 integrated within said disc 9 that is actuated by said microcontroller for increasing/decreasing diameter of said disc 9 in synchronization with actuation of said plates 10 to extend/retract and actuation of plurality of motorized hinges 12 incorporated between said plates 10 for tilting said plates 10 towards/away from each other in view of increasing dimensions of said body in a manner to compress said wafer between said member and body, thus shaping said wafer into said ice cream cone; and
vi) a telescopically operated gripper 13 installed with said platform 1, wherein upon shaping of said wafer into said cone, as detected via said imaging unit 4, said microcontroller actuates said link to retract and actuates said gripper 13 for taking out said cone from said member, followed by actuation of a robotic arm 14 arranged on said platform 1 for cutting edge of said cone via a cutter 15 equipped with said robotic arm 14 in view of providing an even finishing to said cone.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of pressure sensors are installed with said plates 10 for detecting pressure applied by said plates 10 on said wafer, and in case said detected pressure exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller regulates working of said arrangement, plates 10 and hinges to work in collaboration for reducing said pressure, thus preventing said wafer from breaking.

3) 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.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said L-shaped telescopically operated link 7 and telescopically operated gripper 13 are powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said link and gripper 13.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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