CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY The present application claims priority from Indian Patent Application number 201921016910 filed on 29 ^th April 2019, incorporated herein by a reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention in general relates to automated cooking. More particularly, the present in vention relates to an apparatus for automated crepe/ Dosa cooking.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

Crepe/Dosa is a thin, light weight food item well known across the globe. There are different types of crepes made from different composition of batter. In India, Dosa is a type of crepe/ food item popular across India, especially in the south Indian region. Now-a-days Dosa outlets are very pop ular in and outside India. However, making of Dosa using traditional tools, such as pan and spatula spoon requires a lot of practice and it is a time-consuming process. Dosa is not a food item that is made, kept ready and served/ consumed later. It is a kind of food item that is preferred and prac ticed to be served and eaten hot. Also, the thickness of the Dosa varies with the type of traditional tools used. Thus, it is not always feasible to use traditional methods for Dosa preparation at home or at fast food outlets.

Some conventional Dosa cooking machines are available, but these machines are too bulky for domestic use and operate in semiautomatic mode. Further, the conventional Dosa Cooking Ma chines may provide no adjustment in thickness of the crepe, as one of the errors in functioning of the conventional Dosa Cooking Machines may result in production of Dosa having uneven or varying thickness, which also impacts the cooking time of the Dosa. Further, a stove is enabled with heating by multiple flame sources is utilized in traditional methods, and conventional Dosa cooking machine utilize a rectangular plate has a heating zone upon which Dosa is cooked, so there may be variation of heat on the rectangular plate, i.e. the part of the plate near to the heating zone may be more heated as compared to the part away from the heating zone. Further, variation in hotness of plate may further result in uneven cooking, or formation of patches on the Dosa.

Further, these machines are very complex and require a lot of efforts in initial setup and cleaning. Also, the number of components in such machines is considerably high.

Therefore, there is an utmost need for a compact automatic Dosa machines enabling easy cooking of Dosa or other similar food product.

OBJECTIVES

The Primary objective of the present invention is to minimize dependency on skillset that are re quired to cook Dosa using conventional methods, ensure same tastes of Dosa as conventional methods but with improved speed, convenience and hygiene over conventional method.

Yet another object of the invention is to enable infrared sensors to control heating of the cooking drum.

Yet another object of the invention is to enable a planetary mechanism for rotation of cooking drum, thereby reducing complexity and number of motors/ other parts.

Yet another object of the invention is to enable the process of making dosa enabled through a series of synchronized/sequential movements of lever and their timing controlled by software program.

Yet another object of the invention is to use an applicator, for evenly spreading and controlling the predefined thickness of the Dosa batter.

Yet another object of the invention is to enable an oil application apparatus, wherein the oil appli cation apparatus comprises silicon bristles in order to apply oil over the Dosa batter.

Yet another object of the invention is to enable a Scraper / Dosa remover tool for removing the Dosa from the cooking drum. Yet another object of the invention is to enable a single motor to control rotation of the cooking drum, wherein the rotation of the cooking drum controls the scrapper for removing Dosa from the drum after cooking, moving batter tray up and down, moving the oil tank up and down and rotating the oil Brush. Further, the up and down movement may be enabled by the motion of lever, wherein the motion of the lever may be mutually synchronized/sequenced, wherein the sequencing of op erations may be controlled by a software program. Further, the invention enables another motor for dispensing batter in calibrated quantity from batter reservoir to batter roller tank and rotating batter roller for application/spreading of batter over hot drum surface.

SUMMARY

Before the present system and its components are described, it is to be understood that this disclo sure is not limited to the particular system and its arrangement as described, as there can be mul tiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present ap plication. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in detecting or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In the present subject matter, a Dosa cooking machine is illustrated, wherein the Dosa Cooking Machine Comprises a rotary drum, batter reservoir, wherein the batter reservoir is configured to store a semiliquid batter, a batter tray comprising a batter roller, a cam-follower mechanism ena bled by a cam and a plurality of followers, an oil tank comprising an oil brush, a primary motor, a secondary motor, a control unit, a plurality of position sensors, an infrared/ temperature sensor, and a scraper.

In one embodiment, the batter reservoir may be configured to store semiliquid batter, and further release the semiliquid batter to the batter tray. Further, the batter tray may be enabled with a batter roller, wherein the batter roller is configured to spread the semiliquid batter on to the rotary drum. Further, the oil tray, comprising an oil brush may be configured to apply oil on the rotary drum and semiliquid batter on the rotary drum. Further, the rotary drum may be enabled with a heating means, wherein the heating means may heat up the rotary drum. Further, the heated rotary drum may cook the layer of semiliquid batter thereon, to form a layer of cooked Dosa. Further the cooked Dosa may be scrapped by the scrapper, to give a ready-to-eat Dosa. In one embodiment, the plurality of followers comprises a primary follower assembly and second ary follower assembly, wherein the primary follower assembly may be connected to the batter tray and the secondary follower assembly may be connected to the oil tray.

In one embodiment, the rotary drum may be rotated by a cam, wherein the cam may be rotated by the primary motor. Further, the cam may also be connected to the plurality of follower, wherein the cam actuates the plurality of followers to enable application of oil and semiliquid batter on the rotary drum.

In another embodiment, the batter roller may be rotated by a secondary motor, wherein the sec ondary motor may rotate after lifting up of the batter tray, wherein the batter roller may be config ured to spread the semiliquid batter on the rotary drum.

In one embodiment, the control unit may control the functioning of the primary motor, the sec ondary motor, and a reservoir motor as per the instructions from the user, and the plurality of sensors to produce a desired Dosa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the Figures, components are identified by two right-most digits of reference number, however the left most digit in three-digit numbers is used to provide further detailing of a component. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.

Figure 1 illustrates an external view of a Dosa cooking machine 100, in accordance with an em bodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view 200 of the Dosa cooking machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 3 illustrates a detailed view 300 of the cam-follower mechanism of the Dosa cooking Ma chine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 4 illustrates a detailed view 400 of the batter tray and batter roller connected to the cam and follower mechanism of the Dosa cooking Machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the pre sent subject matter. Figure 5 illustrates a detailed view 500 of the oil tray connected to the cam and follower mecha nism of the Dosa cooking Machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present apparatus and its components are described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular apparatus and its arrangement as described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in detecting or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure illustrates a machine for Dosa cooking, wherein, the Dosa cooking machine 100 is configured to cook Dosa using a soft batter by applying heat and oil in a controlled way to transform and cook the semiliquid batter by controlled heat transfer and a sequenced oil applica tion on the semiliquid material.

Now, referring to figure 1, which illustrates the external view of a Dosa cooking machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Further, the dimensions of the Dosa cooking machine 100 preferably may be 475 mm in length, 285 mm in width and 365 mm in height. Further, the Dosa cooking machine may cook a single Dosa or multiple Dosa’s preferably of length in the range between 350-450 mm, and width up to 200-225 mm.

Now, referring to figure 2, which illustrates the exploded view 200 of the Dosa cooking machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Further, the Dosa cooking machine 100 may comprise a primary motor 202, a secondary motor 226, a batter reservoir 204, rotary drum 206, a control unit 208, an oil tray 210, an oil brush 212, a scrapper 214, a batter tray 216, a collection 218, a left cover 220, a right cover 222 and a bottom cover 224 . Further, the left cover 220, the right cover 222 and the bottom cover 224 may enable a casing means for the Dosa cooking machine. In one embodiment, the batter reservoir 204 may be configured to store the semiliquid batter. Further, the batter reservoir 204 may be further enabled with an electronically controlled gate, wherein the electronically controlled gate may further open to transmit the semiliquid batter on to the batter tray 216. Further, the opening of the electronically controlled gates may be controlled by the control unit 208.

In one embodiment, the batter tray 216 may be configured to receive the semiliquid batter from the batter reservoir 204. Further, the batter tray 216 may be mounted adjacent to the rotary drum 206, and may be connected to the secondary motor 226. Further, a batter roller, placed in the batter tray 216, may be enabled to spread a layer of semiliquid batter onto the rotary drum 206, wherein the rotary drum 206 may be further configured to cook the layer of semiliquid batter formed thereon.

In one embodiment, the oil tray 210 may be positioned adjacent to the rotary drum 206. Further, the oil tray 210 may comprise an oil brush 212. Further, the oil tray 210 may be comprise an edible oil pool, wherein the edible oil may be utilized for cooking Dosa. Further, the oil brush 212 may be a cylindrical brush comprising long silicon bristles, wherein the bristles may be partially dipped in to the oil of the oil tray 210. Further, the bristles of the oil brush 212 may maintain a point contact with the rotary drum 206, wherein rotation of the rotary drum 206 may also rotate the oil brush 212 simultaneously, which may result in application of oil on the rotary drum 206. Further, the oil tray 210 and the oil brush 212 enable application of the edible oil in the surface of the semiliquid batter on the rotary drum 206.

In one embodiment, again referring to Figure 2, the rotary drum 206 may be enabled with a heating means, wherein the heating means may be selected from but not limited to electrostatic heat radi ator, a heating coil, or any heating element equipped with thermostat, and the like. Further, the rotary drum 206 may be heated by the heating means up to a temperature ranging between 170°C -190 °C. Further, the heating the rotary drum 206 may enable cooking of the layer of semiliquid batter on the rotary drum 206 to form the Dosa.

In one embodiment, the scrapper 214 may be configured to scrap the layer of cooked Dosa from the rotary drum 206. Further, the scraper 214 may be positioned above the oil tray 210, wherein the scraper 214 may further comprise a curved blade-like structure, wherein the scraper 214 may be further comprise a sharp edge, wherein the sharp edge may be configured to maintain a line contact with the layer of cooked Dosa, thereby enabling complete scrapping of the cooked Dosa from the rotating rotary drum 206. Further, the Dosa may be scrapped in a rolling fashion, to form a roll-like structure. Further, the cooked Dosa may be received and collected in the Collection 218.

In one embodiment, the primary motor 202 may be connected to the control unit 208, wherein the control unit 208 may be configured to operate the primary motor 202 according to the inputs re ceived from the operator. The inputs may correspond to number, size, thickness and other param eters associated with the Dosa to be cooked. Once the inputs are received, in the next step, the operator may calibrate/ adjust each of the components in the Dosa making machine and initiate the cooking process. Further, the primary motor 202 may be connected to a cam 310 (refer to figure 3), wherein the cam 310 may be further connected to a rotary drum 206. Further, the assem bly of cam 310, the primary motor 202 and the rotary drum 206 may enable the rotation of the rotary drum 206. Further, with combined heating and rotation, the layer of semiliquid batter may be cooked to form a Dosa.

In another embodiment, the Dosa cooking machine 100 may be equipped with a plurality of sen sors (not shown in figure), wherein the plurality of sensors configured to sense the angular position and temperature of the rotary drum 206 and produce a sensor signal accordingly. Further, the sen sor signal may be transmitted to the control unit 208, and on the basis of the sensor signal, the control unit 208 may be configured to adjust the function of the primary motor 202 accordingly.

In one embodiment, at least one sensor may be used for sensing temperature of the rotary drum 206, wherein the sensor may be selected but not limited to infrared sensor, thermocouples, RTDs, and the like. Further, the sensors for sensing angular position of the rotary drum 206 may be se lected but not limited to rotary encoders, RVDT sensors, and the like. Further, the temperature sensors may be configured to sense the temperature of the rotary drum 206, and preferably, gen erates a sensor signal when the temperature of the rotary drum ranges between 170°C -190 °C.

Further, after receiving this signal, the control unit 208 enables the rotation of the primary motor 202, after which the rotary drum 206 may be rotated.

Now, refer to figure 3, which illustrates the detailed view 300 of the cam-follower mechanism of the Dosa cooking Machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Further, as mentioned in previous embodiments, the Dosa cooking machine 100 may comprise a primary motor 202 connected to a cam 310, wherein the primary motor 202 may be configured to drive the cam 310. Further, the primary motor 202 may be connected to the cam 310 through a planetary gear mesh assembly. Further, the planetary gear mesh assembly may comprise a pulley in mesh with an intermediate gear, wherein the intermediate gear may be in mesh with an internal gear of the cam 310. Further, the gear ratio of the planetary gear assembly may be selected to enable a transmission of quarter rotation of the cam 310 for a complete rotation of the primary motor 202. Further, the cam may be connected to the plurality of follower assemblies, wherein the plurality of follower assemblies may comprise a primary follower assembly 302 and a secondary follower assembly 304.

In one embodiment, the primary follower assembly 302 may be connected to the batter tray 216, wherein the ends of the primary follower assembly 302 may be connected to a primary lifting lever 306, further wherein the primary lifting lever 306 may be further connected to the batter tray 216. Similarly, the secondary follower assembly 304 may be connected to the oil tray 210, wherein the ends of the secondary follower assembly 304 may be connected to a secondary lifting lever 308, further wherein the secondary lifting lever 308 may be connected to the oil tray 210.

Now, referring to figure 4, which illustrates a detailed view 400 of the batter tray 6 connected to the cam and follower mechanism of the Dosa cooking Machine, in accordance with an embodi ment of the present subject matter. Further, as mentioned in the previous embodiment, the primary follower assembly 302 may be connected to the batter tray 216 via the primary lifting lever 306. Further, for the quarter rotation of the cam 310, the internal guide of the cam 310 may enable the following motion of the primary follower assembly 302. Further, the following motion of the pri mary follower assembly 302 may lift the primary lifting lever 306 up to a predefined height, wherein lifting of the primary lifting lever 306 may further lift the batter tray 216 up to a predefined height towards the rotary drum 206. Further, the batter tray 216 may be further equipped with the batter roller 402, wherein the batter roller 402 may be further equipped to the secondary motor 226. Further, after lifting of the batter tray 216, the secondary motor 226 may rotate the batter roller 402, wherein the batter roller 402 may be further configured to apply the semiliquid batter on to the surface of the rotary drum 206. Further, after completion of the quarter rotation of the cam 310, the primary follower assembly 302 may return to the initial position, thereby lowering the batter tray 216.

In the same embodiment, the batter roller 402 may be provided with stirring means. In certain phenomenon, the semiliquid batter may settle down in the batter tray 216 and form lumps. Further, the stirring means of the batter roller 402 may stir the semiliquid batter after a predefined time interval, thereby preventing the formation of lumps. In one embodiment, the cam 310 may comprise an internal guide 404 404, wherein the internal guide 404 may be in sliding contact with the primary follower assembly 302 and secondary fol lower assembly 304. Further, the internal guide 404 may comprise channel or guides, through which the primary follower assembly 302 and secondary follower assembly 304 may slide, thereby facilitating up and down movement of the primary follower assembly 302 and secondary follower assembly 304. Further, the structural arrangement may serve as a physical extension of the primary lifting lever 306 and the secondary lifting lever 308. Further, the guide may be possibly structured to enable alternate motion of the primary follower assembly 302 and the secondary follower as sembly 304. Now, referring to figure 5, which illustrates a detailed view 500 of the oil tray 210 connected to the cam and follower mechanism of the Dosa cooking Machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Further, as mentioned in the aforementioned embod iments, the secondary follower assembly 304 may be connected to the oil tray 210 via the second ary lifting lever 308. Further, after completion or before initiation of the motion of the primary follower assembly 302, the internal guide of the cam 310 may be configured to enable the follow ing motion of the secondary follower assembly 304. Further, the following motion of the second ary follower assembly 304 may lift the secondary lifting lever 308, wherein the lifting of the sec ondary lifting lever 308 may further enable lifting of the oil tray 210 up to a predefined height towards the rotary drum 206. Further, the oil tray 210 may further comprise the oil brush 212, wherein the oil brush 212 further comprises bristles. Further, lifting of the oil tray 210 due to the follower motion may enable the point contact between the bristles of the oil brush 212 and the rotary drum 206. Further, due to the rotation of the rotary drum 206, the oil brush 212 may also be rotated due to the point contact between the bristles of the oil brush 212 and the rotary drum 206. Further, the relative motion between the oil brush 212 and rotary drum 206 may enable application of oil before and after spreading of the semiliquid batter on the rotary drum 206. Further, after completion of the quarter rotation of the cam 310, the secondary follower assembly 304 may return to the initial position, thereby lowering the oil tray 210.

Now, in a preferred embodiment, the operator may provide various inputs for producing desired Dosa. Once, the inputs are received, the control unit 208 may initiate heating of the rotary drum 206. Meanwhile, the control unit 208 may also configured to open the gates of the batter reservoir 204, wherein opening of the electronically operated gates of the batter reservoir 204 may enable the transfer of the semiliquid batter to the batter tray 216. Further, when the rotary drum 206 is heated to the desired temperature between 170°C to 190°C, the infrared sensor may generate a sensor signal to the control unit 208. Further, on receiving the sensor signal, the control unit 208 may activate the primary motor 202. Further, the primary motor 202 transmits a quarter of rotation to the cam 310 via the planetary gear mesh assembly, wherein the quarter rotation of the cam 310 may enable rotary motion of the rotary drum 206. Further, quarter rotation of the cam 310 may also enable the following motion of the primary follower assembly 302 and the secondary follower assembly 304. Further, the following motion of the primary follower assembly 302 may lift the primary lifting lever 306, wherein lifting of the primary lifting lever 306 may further lift the batter tray 216 up to a predefined height towards the rotary drum 206. Further, the batter tray 216 may be further equipped with the batter roller 402, wherein the batter roller 402 may be further con nected to the secondary motor 226. Further, after lifting of the batter tray 216, the secondary motor 226 may rotate the batter roller 402, wherein the batter roller 402 may be configured to and apply the semiliquid batter on to the surface of the rotary drum 206. Further, the following motion of the secondary follower assembly 304 may lift the secondary lifting lever 308, wherein the lifting of the secondary lifting lever 308 may further enable lifting of the oil tray 210 up to a predefined height towards the rotary drum 206. Further, the bristles of the oil brush 212 may be in point contact with the rotary drum 206. Further, the point contact between the bristles of the oil brush 212 may enable application of oil before and after spreading of the semiliquid batter on the rotary drum 206. The following motion of the primary follower assembly 302 and the secondary follower assembly 304 may be alternate after a predefined delay. Further, after application of oil and spread ing the batter on the rotary drum 206, the rotary drum may be kept idle (without any rotary motion) for effective cooking of the Dosa. Furthermore, after one rotation, the batter in the form of Dosa may be scrapped out by a scrapper 214, and the cooked Dosa may be received by the collection 218.

In one embodiment, the Dosa cooking machine 100 may operate in a fully automatic mode, such that once the batter reservoir 204 and oil tank 210 are filled. Further, the complete operation may be hands-free and can be operated remotely using a mobile / Tablet via Application Program In terface (APIs). Further, the Dosa cooking machine 100 may be connected to a mobile through wired or wireless means, thereby enabling the user to operate the machine via the mobile/T ablet. Further, the mobile/tablet may be enabled with the Application Program Interface (APIs), through which full automation is achieved with simplicity and minimalistic approach.

Furthermore, the cam 310 may be used for programmed sequences of operations. Application of Oil over Dosa, is enabled simply and effectively without use of additional drive. The user can set input parameters to obtain 3 distinct varieties (crispy, medium, soft) of Dosas, wherein the input parameters may relate to the speed of rotary drum 206 and the batter roller 402. Furthermore, other variations for Producing Dosa may be controlled and achieved by varying the following parameters:

Relative speeds of Drum and Batter roller.

Change in Viscosity (thickness) of batter - Combination of above two

Temperature of drum

Time to make Dosa can be manipulated by changing temperature, Dosa thickness.

Furthermore, the process associated with the Dosa cooking machine 100 before during and after the Dosa cooking machine 100 is operated are listed in table 1.

Table 1: Steps performed before, during and after machine operation.

Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure.

The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.