FIELD OF THEINVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an automatic pani-puri making machine. The present invention comprises the process of making pani-puri from start to end i.e. from making hole inside the puri and then filling the stuff into puri are automatically handle by the machine. The present invention comprises pani-puri feeder, variable axis robotic arm, flavor water storage container and potato stuff storage vessel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Panipuri has various names depending upon the region of India. In regions like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, it is commonly known as Panipuri. It is also known as Phuchka in Eastern Indian states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal and also in country like Bangladesh. In Punjab, Haryana it is commonly known as panipuri. In various parts of Odisha, South Jharkhand, Hyderabad, Telangana it is known as Gupchup.

[0003] Coming to the modern days, panipuri has been seen served near the road side stalls, in restaurants, malls etc. It is served to the customer one by one where the street vendor takes one hollow bread by hand, makes a hole in it via fingers and fill it up with the mashed potato. Before serving to the consumers, it is dipped in the flavored water. For doing all the above, the vendor has to do several arrangements for making the whole set up ready. Firstly, the vendor must peel off the potatoes and then boil it. After that the vendor mashes the boiled potatoes along with the chopped onion, chopped chilies, chopped coriander leaves, salt and many other spices etc, i.e. which will be required for filling the hollow bread. After that the vendor must prepare the flavored water which will be required for filling in the puris. Different types of flavored water that are used in serving the Panipuri to the consumers are- Imli Pani, Pudina Pani, Lahsun Pani, Jeera Pani, Adrak Pani etc. This hollow bread is made up of Wheat flour, Semolina etc. The customers standing near the stall takes a plate or bowl for taking the dough (filled with sauces and dipped in flavored water) served by the vendor. In this way, the vendor serves the panipuri to the customer, but he could serve only one panipuri at a time to each individual and this process goes on until the customer's need is fulfilled. While serving the panipuri to the customer the vendor must remember each customer's preference such as flavored water, more fillings or extra spices and onion too. The vendor also must keep in mind the number of panipuri served to each individual. The vendor prepares the panipuri manually, where the served panipuri is unhygienic. Also the panipuri vendors are stands near the roads, colony's and anywhere were the dusts and other things is also mixed-up with the potato stuffing or flavored water.

[0004] The prior art consists of a prototype built by IIT-Gandhinagar students that was reported in 2008 where vending panipuris was possible using crankshaft rotation and piston cylinder movement. A hole was drilled into the Panipuri vada, followed by manual pushing of masala and the flavored water into the bread. Similarly, Manipal Institute of Technology, Karnataka has also come up with another prototype where dispensing of solid and liquid stuffs into the panipuri is performed in a semi-automated manner. As the prepared ingredients have to be replenished by a person from time to time, the prototype seems to be restricted to handle only a small number of customers at a time.

[0005] The Indian patent application number 201631001687 published disclosure adds spices/flavor to it. The smashed potato is filled inside the puri and dispensed. The flavored water is dispensed separately in different plate and there is no mechanism/system/method for same. The disclosure does not include the transaction mechanism and buyer interface unit. The disclosure can be used only if a human resource is present to operate and take dispensed puri and serve water separately. The embodiment also needs prepared flavored water and cannot handle any other stuffing like boiled grams, diced onion etc.

[0006] The Indian patent application Number 201721012744 published disclosure disclose the drawing depicts a column where single puri could be stacked one over other. Such mechanism may not be suitable for commercial purpose as the length of stack and storage capacity is not viable.

[0007] The Indian patent application number 3500/MUM/2011 published disclosure disclose the inventor has disclosed an embodiment but the given disclosure will fail as the processed puri with filling and filled with water is supposed to slide out of inclined part. As the puri is spherical/elliptical there is no mechanism disclosed how the puri would be served without toppling. Secondly the disclosure does not give a successful mechanism on how the puri from storage unit could be dispensing out one by one to the processing plate. The described mechanism of screw is not depicted in the disclosed drawing. The disclosure does not include the transaction mechanism and buyer interface unit. Even if somehow the above defects are managed, the system can be used only if a human is present to operate.

[0008] This automatic panipuri making machine will provide hygienic alternative to the customers, filled with quality flavored water from flavored water tanks. The main aim of designing and fabricating this machine is to reduce human effort during panipuri preparation and provide hygienic panipuri to the customers.

OBTECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The main object of the present invention is to provide "an automatic panipuri making machine" to prepare and vend panipuri without human touch. Also provide panipuri in large scale and to deliver it in lesser amount of time and to reduce the labour cost.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide most hygienic panipuri to the customer.

[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to maintain the original flavor of the panipuri with out human touch.

[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide easy interface with the operating interfacing unit to customer for customization as per his/her preference. [0013] A still further object of the present invention is directed to said automatic panipuri making machine comprising an interface to enable the user to choose the selected variety of panipuri, stuffing and flavored water to be served.

[0014] A still further object of the present invention is directed to said automatic panipuri making machine wherein said Flavored Potato Stuffing Cartridge is loaded into Flavored Potato Dispenser unit by manually.

[0015] A still further object of the present invention is directed to said automatic panipuri making machine wherein said Flavored Water Dispenser unit the flavored water is making up by dissolving masala packet into flavored water dispenser by manually.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is directed to said Automatic panipuri making machine wherein said interface unit comprises of an input unit and a display unit, said input unit preferably selected from Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) to enter the data according to user requirement, said display unit configured to display the entered details of the user and accordingly to correspondingly dispense the panipuri, said input unit and display unit preferably integrated touch screen.

[0017] These and other objects will be apparent based on the disclosure herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The proposed concept of the present invention is directed to said an automatic panipuri making machine comprises of a variable axis robotic arm, panipuri tray holder, panipuri tray, a needle unit, a flavored potato dispenser unit(s), a flavored water dispenser unit(s), a control unit for controlling all the parts of the machine, a storage unit for storing chutney/sauces, a storage unit for storing flavored water, a storage unit for storing fillings, a user interface system, a process unit, a refrigeration unit, a dispensing unit. Operator does quality check of Puri and keeps loading Pani Puri Tray. This tray is kept in Tray Holder. This is manual operation. A variable axis robotic arm holds this loaded tray and moves this tray to the next stage. The loaded tray shifts through the variable axis robotic arm under the needle unit by injecting small needles into puris for making holes into the puris. After making holes into the puris the tray shifts through the variable axis robotic arm at the flavored potato dispenser unit. Here the flavored potato stuffing injected into the no. of puris same time. After the potato stuffing the tray shifts to the flavored water dispenser unit. Here the flavored water is injected into the glasses which are fixed into loaded tray. After completing the process the tray is delivered to the customer.

[0019] The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention are described here under in greater details with reference to following accompanying non-limiting illustrative drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure V. illustrates the front view of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0023] Figure 2: illustrates the top view of the different system/units parts present in the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0024] Figure 3: illustrates the panipuri tray holder fixed near to the periphery of the base plate of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention. [0025] Figure 3a: illustrates a diagram of the panipuri tray which is placed manually at the panipuri tray holder of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention. [0026] Figure 4: illustrates a FPD Nozzle Plate of the Flavored Potato Dispenser of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0027] Figure 5: illustrates a systematic diagram of the Flavored Potato Dispenser Unit enclosing their different parts of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0028] Figure 5a: illustrates the FPD nozzle plate which is connected with the Flavored Potato Dispenser Unit of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0029] Figure 5b: illustrates the cutter which is connected underneath of the FPD nozzle plate of the Flavored Potato Dispenser Unit of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0030] Figure 5c: illustrates the side view of the cutter which is connected underneath of the FPD nozzle plate of the Flavored Potato Dispenser Unit of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0031] Figure 6: illustrates a systematic diagram of the Flavored Water Dispenser Unit enclosing their different parts of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0032] Figure 7: illustrates a detailed front view diagram of the Flavored Water Dispenser Unit enclosing their different parts of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention. [0033] Figure 8: illustrates the diagram of the Refrigeration Unit of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention.

[0034] Figure 9: illustrates the flowchart representing the working of the Automatic panipuri making machine according to present invention. [0035] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The invention has been explained in relation to specific embodiment. It is inferred that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present invention and it is not intended that the invention be limited or restrictive thereto. Many other specific embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure. All substitution, alterations and modification of the present invention which come within the scope of the following claims are to which the present invention is readily susceptible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined not with reference to the above description but should be determined with reference to appended claims along with full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. [0037] The present disclosure gives an overview of an automatic panipuri making machine which designed to serve the most hygienic panipuri to the customer. The automatic panipuri making machine provides a user friendly interface including customization as per the customer's preference. Further, the automatic panipuri making machine according to the present invention provides the more hygienic panipuri in less time as the customer expect. This machine provides customization to help him/her choose desired quantity, more than one type of flavored water, more than one flavored potato stuffing and fillings.

[0038] According to the present invention the automatic panipuri making machine have a refrigeration to maintain the temperature of the flavored water dispenser unit and also maintain the quality of the flavored potato dispenser unit so that the items/ingredients would not spoil.

[0039] A unique embodiment of automatic panipuri making machine is disclosed in the present disclosure. This automatic panipuri making machine not only provides panipuri in an ordered manner on panipuri tray but also has the capacity for storing a good quantity of raw materials and other ingredients. All these processes will be controlled by a single control unit. The interface unit allows the customer to choose appropriate options.

[0040] Now, as shown in Fig. 1, an automatic panipuri making machine comprises a cylindrical housing having top portion (T), intermediate portion (I) and bottom portion (B). The top portion (T) comprises a needle unit (4), plurality of flavored potato dispenser units (5), plurality of flavored water dispenser units (6) arranged sequentially on base circular mounting rings (C) and an operator interface unit (HMI) (7). The intermediate portion (I) comprises a base plate (P), a variable axis robotic arm (1) having one end fixed at the centre of the base plate (P) and another movable end as showed in Fig. 2, a panipuri tray holder (2) is fixed near to periphery of the base plate (P) as showed in Fig. 3 and a panipuri tray (3) accommodated into panipuri tray holder (2). The intermediate portion (I) having a serving window (43) from where prepared panipuris are served to customer as showed in Fig. 1. The bottom portion (B) having a table unit (42) comprises a main supply system (not shown) for provide electrical power supply, a controlling unit (not shown) to control the whole machine, a RO unit (38), an air conditioning unit (39) to maintain the top portion (T) temperature, an air compressor unit (40) and a door for maintenance (41) as showed in Fig. 7.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 3 and 3a said panipuri tray (3) having cavity for puri holder and pani holder and gaps having magnetic tip at the distal end runs along both sides of the panipuri tray (3) to accommodate the forks (35). The fork holder mounting plate (33) at the open end of the variable axis robotic arm (1) connected to a fork holder nut (34) runs along width of the panipuri tray (3) with tray detachment flange (36) at end and forks (35) as showed in the Fig. 4 to lift up the panipuri tray (3) from the panipuri tray holder (2) as shows in Fig. 3. Further, the magnet tips are placed inside the gaps of the panipuri tray (3) and at the end of the forks (35) for easily lift up the panipuri tray (3) by the movable end of the variable axis robotic arm (1) from the panipuri tray holder (2) as shown in Fig. 3. [0042] Further as shown in Fig. 4 the said needle unit (4) comprises the plungers with sharp tips for breaking the top shell of puri loaded on the panipuri tray (3). The hole will be made in one shot at all no. of puri's top shell by plungers through the needle unit (4).

[0043] As shown in Fig. 5 and 5a said flavored potato dispenser unit(s) (5) is fixed on the top portion (T) of the automatic panipuri making machine. A FPD mounting plate (9) is fixed at down side along with beams (12). The FPD actuator mounting plate (16) fixed at up side along with the beams (12). A cartridge (11) being place between the FPD mounting plate (9) and the FPD actuator mounting plate (16). A linear actuator (17) is mounted on the actuator mounting plate (16). A pusher

(13) being connected with the linear actuator (17) along with a push plate

(14) for pushing down potato stuffing filled in the cartridge (11) to filling the potato stuffing into the panipuri. A cartridge (11) is manually removable for filling the potato stuffing when it reaches certain level. A FPD nozzle plate (10) fixed at end of the FPD mounting plate (9) for filling the potato stuffing into the panipuri as showed in Fig. 5a. A tri clamp (8) is used to connect FPD the nozzle plate (10) and the cartridge (11). An O-ring

(15) attached with the push plate (14).

[0044] As shown in Fig. 5b and 5c, at the end of the FPD nozzle plate (10), the U-shape cutter is placed underneath the FPD nozzle plate (10) to detach the filled potato stuffing of the flavored potato dispenser unit (5). A guide holder (44) fixed at end of both arms of the U-shape cutter. A slider guide (45) mounted on arms of the U-shape cutter. A slider (46) with piece of cutting wire strip fixed over the slider guide (45). An actuator (47) connected with the slider (46) which operated pneumatically by receiving the signal from the controller of the controller unit (not shown).

[0045] Said flavored potato dispenser unit(s) (5) configuration works as when the loaded panipuri tray (3) under the FPD unit (5) the controller gives the signal to the linear actuator (17) to moves the connected pusher (13) along with the push plate (14) downside into the cartridge (11) which is filled with the flavored potato stuffing. The flavored potato stuffing is filled into the puris which are loaded over the panipuri tray (3) by the FPD nozzle plate (10) which is mounted at the end of the FPD mounting plate (9). When the push plate (14) reaches certain level into the cartridge (11), the connected sensor gives signal to the operator and also beeps the connected alarm to refill the cartridge (11). The whole process is automatically controlled by the controller.

[0046] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 6a it shows the intermediate connection between the each part of the flavored water dispenser unit(s) (6).

[0047] As shown in Fig. 6 & Fig. 6a said flavored water dispenser unit(s) (6) is also fixed at the top portion (T) of the automatic panipuri making machine. A stand (22) to be fixed on the base circular mounting rings (c) at the top portion of the machine. A transparent container (19) is fixed over the stand (22) for visualized the flavored water inside the transparent container (19). A top plate (28) of the transparent container (19) connected with the mechanical housing (26) having a detachable mechanical housing lid (29) by a quick lock (23). A bottom plate (20) locates at end of the transparent container (19). An agitator (A) is mounted inside the transparent container (19) with rotating blades (18) to rotate the flavored water constantly for mixing the water with injected flavored water masala. A grommet (31) provided inside the mechanical housing (26). Inside the mechanical housing (26) a motor unit (32) connected to the agitator (A) being mounted over a motor mount (21) to rotate the agitator (A).. A coupling (25) and a nylon bush (24) inter linked with each other inside the motor unit (32) to reduce friction while rotation. A water pipe (30) being connected to the bottom plate (20) along with the solenoid/pinch valve, to fill the glass with flavored water.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 7 said table unit (42) is the bottom portion of the automatic panipuri making machine. In the bottom portion (B) a main supply system (not shown) is placed for providing power supply, a controlling unit (not shown) is also placed here to control all apparatus automatically, a RO unit (38) is mounted for providing fresh water for flavored water dispenser unit (6) and also for drinking water. An Air conditioning unit (39) being fixed here to maintain the quality and the temperature of the flavored potato stuffing and the flavored water. An air compressor unit (40) being fixed for the operating of the pneumatic devices i.e. solenoid/pinch valve, an actuator etc. A table unit (42) having a door for maintenance (41) of the bottom portion (B).

[0049] With reference to Fig 8, the present disclosure shows a flowchart about the working of an automatic panipuri making machine from top to bottom. Initially, when the customer will give input in the operator interface unit (7), the machine by default will check the availability of prepared materials in the internal machine. If the quantity of the flavored potato stuffing is inadequate, inputs will be generated automatically from mash storing unit for additional feed. The internal machine comprises of a variable axis robotic arm (1), a panipuri tray holder (2), panipuri tray (3), a needle unit (4), a flavored potato dispenser unit(s) (5), a flavored water dispenser unit(s) (6), operator interface unit (HMI) (7), electrical and control unit, RO water unit (38), an air conditioning unit (39) and a compressor unit (40). After filling the cartridge (11) of flavored potato stuffing available, it will ask the user about flavor of stuffing which user wishes.

[0050] Taking the input from the customer, it will again continue to ask what type of flavored water and chutney /sauces the user wishes to have. Finally, after asking these entire questions in the interface unit (7), an operator put the puris into the panipuri tray (3) and moveable open end of the variable axis robotic arm (1) take the loaded panipuri tray (3) from the panipuri tray holder (2). After lifting panipuri tray (3) from the panipuri tray holder (2) and placing the panipuri tray (3) at the needle unit (4) for breaking top shell of the puri by sharp tips of the needle unit (4).

[0051] The hole will be made in one shot at all no. of puri's top shell via plungers through the needle unit (4). After hole completed in all no. of puris, the panipuri tray (3) shifts to selected flavor potato dispenser unit (5). Here the flavored potato dispenser unit (5) proposed atleast one different flavor. The loaded panipuri tray (3) under the selected flavor potato dispenser unit (5), the sensor gives the signal to the controller; upon receiving the signal, the controller gives the signal to the linear actuator (17) to move the connected pusher (13) downwards along with push plate (14) into the cartridge (11) to fill selected flavored potato stuffing into the puri.

[0052] The predetermined quantity of the flavored potato stuffing filling by the flavor potato dispenser unit (5) into the puri. The placed U-shape cutter cutting the potato stuffing by receiving the signal from the controller of the controlling unit. After filing of the flavored potato stuffing, the panipuri tray (3) shifts to selected one flavored water dispenser unit (6).

[0053] The loaded panipuri tray (3) under the selected flavor water dispenser unit (6), the sensor gives the signal to the controller; upon receiving the signal, and the controller gives the signal to the solenoid/pinch valve for fill the selected flavored water into the cups which are placed into the cavity of the panipuri tray (3).

[0054] This selected flavored water poured to one of cups placed inside tray. Here the flavored water dispenser unit (6) proposed atleast one different flavor. The quantity of water is predefined & set through operator interface unit (7). Same process repeats for another flavor of water filling. Now panipuri tray (3) is ready with Puri filled with Potato stuffing and cups filled with flavor water.

[0055] After completing the process the movable open end of variable axis robotic arm (1) moves to the customer service window (43) for placing the panipuri tray (3) and removing the forks (35) from the gaps by receiving the signal from the controller of the controller unit. This tray will be placed at customer service window (43). After placing panipuri tray (3), bell rungs to grab attention of customer. Customer will pick-up prepared panipuri tray (3) manually with freshly prepared spherical hollow bread stuffed with flavored potato stuffing and flavored water as per the choice.

[0056] The present invention has beneficial advantages that is not an expensive, easy to maintain and simple. The automatic panipuri making machine is quick and serve the most hygienic panipuri to the customer. There is no human touch while dispensing the panipuri from the machine. The machine have transparent body to easily view the process of the dispensing the panipuri. Also have an open platform for cleaning n flushing the surface of the machine.

[0057] The invention has been explained in relation to specific embodiment. It is inferred that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present invention and it is not intended that the invention be limited or restrictive thereto. Many other specific embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure.

[0058] All substitution, alterations and modification of the present invention which come within the scope of the following claims are to which the present invention is readily susceptible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined not with reference to the above description but should be determined with reference to appended claims along with full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. List of Reference Numerals:

(T) Top Portion (1) Intermediate Portion (B) Bottom Portion (P) Base Plate (A) Agitator (C) Base circular mounting rings (1) Variable axis robotic arm (2) Panipuri tray holder

(3) Panipuri tray (4) Needle unit

(5) Flavored Potato Dispenser Unit (6) Flavored Water Dispenser Unit (7) Operator Interfacing Unit (8) Tri Clamp (9) FPD Mounting plate (10) FPD Nozzle plate (11) Cartridge (12) Beam

(13) Pusher (14) Push plate (15) O-ring (16) FPD Actuator mounting plate (17) Linear Actuator (18) Blade (19) Transparent Container (20) Bottom plate (21) Motor mount (22) Stand

(23) Quick lock (24) Nylon Bush (25) Coupling (26) Mechanical Housing (27) Detachable plate (28) Top plate (29) Mechanical housing LID (30) Water Pipe (31) Gromet (32) Motor unit

(33) Fork holder mount plate (34) Fork Holder Nut (35) Forks (36) Tray detachment flange (37) Tray Assembly (38) RO Unit (39) AC unit (40) Air Compressor unit (41) Door for maintenance (42) Table unit

(43) Serving Window (44) Guide holder (45) Slider Guide (46) Slider (47) Actuator