Design and manufacture of tray feeding module for automatic kitchen
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37255/jme.v20i4pp170-178Keywords:
food service automation, tray feeding, automatic kitchen systems, mechanical designAbstract
The demand for scalable and hygienic food service automation in industrial settings such as factories, canteens, and institutional kitchens has grown rapidly in response to rising labor costs, service inconsistencies, and the need for operational efficiency. While robotic and AI-driven systems have advanced significantly in commercial food services, the adaptation of such technologies in high-throughput, industrial environments remains limited. This research addresses that gap by presenting the design and development of a modular tray feeding module specifically tailored for use in automatic kitchen systems. The proposed system automates the transfer, alignment, and dumping of meal trays using a combination of conveyor mechanisms, pneumatic actuators, and programmable controls. The study covers the mechanical design, control integration, and functional validation of the tray feeding module under simulated industrial kitchen conditions. Key innovations include a dual-position conveyor interface, a pneumatically actuated tray engagement mechanism, and a rotary dumping system capable of sequential ingredient delivery. Structural and performance analyses, including finite element modeling for stress and displacement, demonstrate high reliability and safety under operational loads. Experimental testing confirms the system’s ability to operate continuously, accurately align trays, and manage sequential dumping with minimal intervention. This work contributes to the advancement of smart kitchen infrastructure by offering a robust, hygienic, and low-cost automation solution adaptable to diverse large-scale food service applications.
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