Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-stage automated food packaging device designed to assist users in efficiently packaging food items such as biscuits, cakes, buns, and rolls, by automating various stages of the packaging process, including sorting, placing, and sealing, thus improving speed, consistency, and hygiene, while reducing labor and ensuring high-quality packaging for food products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Food packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the quality, safety, and freshness of food products while ensuring they reach consumers in optimal condition. It acts as a barrier against contamination, moisture, air, and light, all of which can degrade food quality or cause spoilage. Packaging also serves to extend shelf life, reduce waste, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, particularly in perishable goods like meat, dairy, and fresh produce. Beyond protection, food packaging is essential for providing consumers with important information, such as nutritional facts, expiration dates, and ingredient lists. It also aids in portion control, convenience, and product identification. With the rise of e-commerce and global supply chains, packaging ensures that food can be safely transported across long distances without compromising quality. Moreover, sustainable packaging solutions are becoming increasingly important in reducing environmental impact, making eco-friendly innovations essential for the future of the food industry.

[0003] Traditional food packaging methods, such as using glass jars, metal cans, paper wraps, and wooden crates, have long been relied upon to protect and store food. These materials are generally effective in preserving food quality and preventing contamination. However, they come with several drawbacks. Glass jars and metal cans can be heavy, leading to higher transportation costs and increased energy consumption. Paper wraps, while biodegradable, often provide limited protection against moisture and external contaminants, making them unsuitable for long-term storage. Additionally, traditional packaging materials may not offer optimal barrier properties, which can result in faster spoilage or reduced shelf life, especially for perishable goods. Furthermore, many traditional methods are not as efficient in terms of space utilization, leading to greater waste and bulkier packaging. Lastly, the environmental impact of materials like plastic, while once widely used, has raised concerns due to its contribution to pollution and waste accumulation.

[0004] US7487625B2 is a method for packaging a good by means of a package formed of a shrinkable lower film and an upper film is provided. The lower film may be deep-drawn to form a container for accommodating the good, and after filling in the good, an upper film may be supplied for covering. The such-formed package is sealed and then may be subjected to shrinking in an evacuating and sealing station. Consecutively to the evacuating and sealing, an additional shrinking may be performed by subjecting the package to heat from all sides, so as to remove the film section having developed between the part of the lower and the upper film directly resting against the good and the sealing rim. A corresponding device for executing the method is indicated.

[0005] CN110481858B discloses a reliable food vacuum packaging machine, which comprises a machine shell, wherein a working cavity is arranged in the machine shell, a film feeding device is arranged below the working cavity, a placing table is fixedly arranged on the lower wall of the working cavity, a heat sealing device is arranged above the placing table, the rear sides of the film feeding device and the heat sealing device are provided with an air exhaust and cutting-off device, the air exhaust and cutting-off device comprises fixed blocks which are fixedly arranged on the left end surface and the right end surface of the fixed film pressing block, the front end surface of the fixed film pressing block and the rear end surface of the sliding film pressing block, the food sealing and packaging device can quickly and effectively seal and package food, meanwhile, the air in the package is pumped out, the shelf life of the food is effectively prolonged, the step of manually packaging the food in a bag and then carrying out vacuum packaging is omitted, meanwhile, the used and abandoned packaging bag film is recycled and wound, so that the recycling and the reconstruction are convenient, and the waste of resources is avoided.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been disclosed for food packaging, but these machines typically fail to assist users in efficiently packaging food items such as biscuits, cakes, buns, and rolls, they often lack features like automated sorting, precise placement, and reliable sealing, which are critical for improving packaging speed, consistency, and hygiene. As a result, users still face challenges with manual handling, errors, and inefficiencies, ultimately affecting overall productivity and increasing the risk of contamination or product damage during the packaging process.

[0007] To address the limitations of conventional food packaging devices, there is a need in the art for the development of a device that can assist users in efficiently packaging food items such as biscuits, cakes, buns, and rolls, by automating critical stages of the packaging process. This includes automating sorting, precise placing, and sealing of food products, thereby enhancing packaging efficiency, reducing manual labor, minimizing errors, improving consistency, and ensuring hygiene, ultimately leading to increased productivity, reduced contamination risks, and better overall packaging quality for mass production and distribution of food items.

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 designed to assist users in efficiently packaging food items like biscuits, cakes, buns, and rolls, by streamlining the packaging process, reducing manual labor, and ensuring consistent, secure, and hygienic packaging, ultimately improving productivity and maintaining product quality during the packaging of food items.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of packaging food items in either packets or carton boxes, depending on the size of the food items, thereby ensuring efficient, adaptable packaging that optimizes space utilization and protects the food during transit, while reducing the need for manual intervention and improving overall packaging efficiency.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of automatically sorting defective or stale food items, ensuring that only high-quality products are packaged, thereby maintaining product integrity, reducing waste, and enhancing consumer satisfaction, while streamlining quality control processes and minimizing the risk of distributing substandard food items.

[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 a multi-stage automated food packaging device that assists users in efficiently packaging food items like biscuits, cakes, buns, and rolls, streamlining the entire process from sorting to sealing, enhancing speed, consistency, and hygiene, while reducing manual labor and ensuring high-quality packaging.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a multi-stage automated food packaging device, comprises of a housing installed with a first storage chamber to store food items selected from group of food items, a touch interactive display panel provided on the housing for enabling a user to provide input commands regarding packaging of the food item, a vibrating unit embedded on base of the first chamber facilitate movement of items, a hinged lid provided with the first chamber transfers items over a motorized cross-belt sorter conveyor positioned adjacent to the first chamber, a waste compartment connected to the conveyor receive defective or waste items, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed inside the housing detects freshness and odor of items in sync with an odor sensor, a second storage chamber located front of the conveyor with a multiple-packet storage unit stores packets and carton boxes of various sizes, a lid dispensing mechanism integrated with each packet storage unit dispenses a packet or carton box based on size and type of item to be packaged, a third chamber integrated inside the housing with a box sealer unit and a pair of clippers with a Peltier unit for sealing the packed items, a tactile sensor configured inside the third chamber detect material of the packet or box, a pair of clippers mounted on secondary motorized ball-and-socket joints with a Peltier unit and a temperature sensor for cold or heat sealing, a fourth chamber installed underside the third chamber with a pair of clamping units hold packets and boxes in place during sealing process and subsequently move sealed items into fourth chamber for temporary storage.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 a multi-stage automated food packaging device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention pertains to a multi-stage automated food packaging device designed to assist users in efficiently packaging various food items, including biscuits, cakes, buns, and rolls, by automating key stages of the process, such as product placement, sealing, labeling, and storage, thereby improving speed, consistency, and hygiene while reducing manual labor and minimizing the risk of contamination or errors during packaging operations.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a multi-stage automated food packaging device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 installed with a first storage chamber 102, a touch interactive display panel 103 provided on the housing 101, a vibrating unit 104 embedded on base of the first chamber 102, a hinged lid 105 provided with the first chamber 102, a motorized cross-belt sorter conveyor 106 positioned adjacent to the first chamber 102, a waste compartment 107 connected to the conveyor 106, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 installed inside the housing 101, a second storage chamber 109 located front of the conveyor 106, a multiple-packet storage unit 110 integrated into the second storage chamber 109 with a lid dispensing mechanism, a third chamber 111 integrated inside the housing 101, including a box sealer unit 112 and a pair of clippers 113 mounted on secondary motorized ball-and-socket joints, a fourth chamber 114 installed underside the third chamber 111 , a pair of clamping units 115 mounted on sliding units 118 positioned parallel to third chamber 111 and the fourth chamber, 114, multiple flaps 116 connected to the conveyor 106 includes via primary motorized ball-and-socket joints, and a vessel 117 attached to the second section of third chamber 111.

[0022] The device proposed herein includes a housing 101 developed to be positioned over a ground surface, in view of packaging of food in an automated manner. The housing 101 as mentioned herein serves as a structural foundation to various components associated with the device, wherein the housing 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0023] The housing 101 features a first storage chamber 102 specifically designed to store food items such as biscuits, cakes, buns, and rolls, providing a secure and organized space for preserving these items, ensuring they remain fresh and easily accessible for users while maintaining optimal storage conditions for various baked goods and snacks.

[0024] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the housing 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0025] Upon activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the housing 101 and linked to the switch generates a command to activate a touch interactive display panel 103 provided on the housing 101 for enabling the user to provide input commands regarding packaging of the food item. The touch interactive display panel 103 as mentioned herein is typically an (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding packaging of the food item. The touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0026] In response to input commands of the user, the microcontroller actuates a hinged lid 105 provided with the first chamber 102 to transfer food items over a motorized cross-belt sorter conveyor 106 positioned adjacent to the first chamber 102. The hinged lid 105 operates through an electric motor that activates a gear mechanism to smoothly open and close the lid 105. When triggered by the microcontroller, the hinge provide movement to the lid 105, to allow transfer food items over the motorized cross-belt sorter conveyor 106.

[0027] A vibrating unit 104 embedded on base of the first chamber 102 is subsequently activated by the microcontroller to facilitate movement of items from the first storage chamber 102 to the conveyor 106. The vibrating unit 104 uses an eccentric motor-driven mechanism to generate controlled vibrations, which facilitate the movement of items from the first storage chamber 102 to the conveyor 106. When activated, the vibrations create a gentle, continuous motion that helps dislodge food items, such as biscuits or cakes, toward the conveyor 106 belt, effectively.

[0028] Upon transferring of food items on the conveyor 106, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 installed inside the housing 101 detects freshness and odor of items during sorting in sync with an odor sensor. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 works by using cameras to capture high-resolution images of food items during sorting. AI protocols analyze these images to detect visual indicators of freshness, such as color, texture, and surface conditions. The imaging unit 108 majorly evaluates if the color of the food item or the shape and size of the food item is matching with the standard color and shape or not. Simultaneously, the odor sensor evaluates the scent profile of each item. The microcontroller processes both visual and olfactory data, cross-referencing the data to assess the freshness and quality of the items and accordingly regulates actuation of multiple flaps 116 connected to primary motorized ball-and-socket joints to adjust flap angles based on position of food item for directing items into appropriate sections of a waste compartment 107 installed below the conveyor 106 or a second storage chamber 109 located front of the conveyor 106, based on freshness and odor of the items.

[0029] The primary motorized ball and socket joint provides a rotation to the flaps 116 for aiding the flaps 116 to turn at a required angle. The ball and socket joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the flaps 116 The ball and socket joint is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the flaps 116 directing items into appropriate sections of a waste compartment 107 connected to the conveyor 106 or second storage chamber 109.

[0030] The second chamber 109 is used for packaging items into either cartons or packets and is integrated with multiple-packet storage unit 110 for storing packets and carton boxes of various sizes. While transferring of the food items in the second storage chamber 109, the microcontroller directs actuation of a lid dispensing mechanism integrated with each packet storage unit 110 to dispense a packet or carton box based on size and type of item to be packaged.

[0031] The lid dispensing mechanism uses a motorized slider around the second chamber 109 to control extendable rods that position a packet or carton box onto a platform. Once aligned, the extendable rods extend into the box or packet, creating a hollow space for inserting an item. Each rod is equipped with a suction unit that adjusts the angle based on the position of the box or packet, ensuring optimal alignment for easy insertion. The microcontroller then actuates the suction unit to hold the packaging steady, ensuring accurate placement and secure sealing of the items inside, facilitating efficient and precise packaging without manual intervention.

[0032] Upon dispensing of packet or carton box based on size and type of item to be packaged, the microcontroller directs actuation of the motorized cross-belt sorter conveyor 106 for transferring the food over the packet, in case the food is not detected to be defective. The motorized cross-belt sorter conveyor 106 consists of a belt stretched across two or more pulley in close loop and one of the pulley is attached with a driven motor that is interlinked with the microcontroller. On actuation, the driven motor rotates the pulley which in turn results that the conveyer belt also rotates that leads to translate the food over the packet.

[0033] Upon positioning of food over the packet, a pair of clamping units 115 mounted on sliding units 118 positioned parallel to a third chamber 111 integrated inside the housing 101 and a fourth chamber 114 installed underside the third chamber 111 are activated by the microcontroller to transfer the food in the third chamber 111 for sealing the packed items. The clamping units 115 is a fastening equipment used to hold or secure the packed items. The clamping unit comprises a pair of curved electromagnetic clamps, attached with motor to grip the packed items. Upon actuation of the electromagnetically powered clamps by the microcontroller, the motor imparts rotational movement to the clamps followed by actuation of the electromagnets to get energized to grip the packed items and the microcontroller then directs the clamping unit to transfer the item into the third chamber 111.

[0034] A tactile sensor configured inside the third chamber 111 detects material of the packet or box. The tactile sensor detects the material of a packet or box by emitting infrared light from an emitter and measuring the reflected light with a receiver. When the sensor is in contact with the material, the properties of the surface—such as reflectivity, texture, and composition—affect the amount of infrared light reflected back. Based on the intensity and pattern of the reflected light, the sensor distinguishes between different materials (e.g., cardboard, plastic, etc.). The sensor's response is processed by the microcontroller to identify material of the packet or box.

[0035] Based on the identified material of the packet or box, the microcontroller either triggers a box sealer unit 112 integrated in first section of the third chamber 111 or a pair of clippers 113 mounted on secondary motorized ball-and-socket joints and having a Peltier unit and a temperature sensor for cold or heat sealing based on packaging material. The box sealer unit 112 is designed to securely seal food packs or boxes for packaging and typically uses adhesive tape. For tape sealing, the unit applies a pre-cut adhesive tape across the top flaps 116 of the box, ensuring the box is tightly sealed.

[0036] Prior to applying of the adhesive tape, a vessel 117 attached to the second section of third chamber 111 and connected to an electronic nozzle via a conduit is actuated by the microcontroller to dispenses adhesive for sealing both packets and boxes. The electronic nozzle works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to get dispensed. Upon actuation of nozzle by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes adhesive within the vessel 117, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to get dispensed out with a high force over the packet or box, for effectiveness in the sealing process.

[0037] The pair of clippers 113 is actuated by the microcontroller to position the Peltier unit over the packet or box. The pair of clippers 113 are operated by a pair of handles for positioning the Peltier unit over the packet or box and are driven by the motor which makes the blades of clip to oscillate from side to side. Upon actuation of the motorized clippers 113 by the microcontroller the motor rotates the blade to position the Peltier unit over the packet or box for sealing the packet or the box.

[0038] A temperature sensor integrated with the clippers 113 monitor temperature in the third chamber 111. The temperature sensor mentioned herein is an infrared (IR) based temperature sensor that operates by detecting infrared radiation emitted by the third chamber 111. The sensor includes an IR detector that receives radiation from the third chamber 111 and converts the radiation into an electrical signal. This signal's intensity correlates with the temperature of the third chamber 111, as hotter the third chamber 111 emit more IR radiation, which is then sent to the microcontroller in the form of an electrical signal. The microcontroller processes the signal to determine temperature in the third chamber 111 and accordingly directs actuation of the Peltier unit for sealing the packet or the box.

[0039] The microcontroller then redirects the sliding units 118 and clamping units 115 to hold packets and boxes in place during sealing process and subsequently move sealed items into a fourth chamber 114 installed underside the third chamber 111 for temporary storage.

[0040] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 as mentioned in the invention is developed to be positioned over the ground surface, in view of packaging of food in the automated manner. Upon activation of the device by the user, the microcontroller generates the command to activate the touch interactive display panel 103 for enabling the user to provide input commands regarding packaging of the food item. In response to input commands of the user, the microcontroller actuates the hinged lid 105 provided with the first chamber 102 to transfer food items over the motorized cross-belt sorter conveyor 106 positioned adjacent to the first chamber 102. The vibrating unit 104 is subsequently activated by the microcontroller to facilitate movement of items from the first storage chamber 102 to the conveyor 106. Upon transferring of food items on the conveyor 106, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 detects freshness and odor of items during sorting in sync with the odor sensor. The primary motorized ball and socket joint provides the rotation to the flaps 116 for aiding the flaps 116 to turn at the required angle. The second chamber 109 is used for packaging items into either cartons or packets and is integrated with multiple-packet storage unit 110 for storing packets and carton boxes of various sizes. While transferring of the food items in the second storage chamber 109, the microcontroller directs actuation of the lid dispensing mechanism integrated with each packet storage unit 110 to dispense the packet or carton box based on size and type of item to be packaged. Upon positioning of food over the packet, the pair of clamping units 115 are activated by the microcontroller to transfer the food in the third chamber 111 for sealing the packed items. The tactile sensor detects material of the packet or box. Based on the identified material of the packet or box, the microcontroller either triggers the box sealer unit 112 or the pair of clippers 113 having the Peltier unit and the temperature sensor for cold or heat sealing based on packaging material. The temperature sensor monitors temperature in the third chamber 111.

[0042] 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. , C , Claims:1) A multi-stage automated food packaging device, comprising:

i) a housing 101 positioned over a ground surface installed with a first storage chamber 102 adapted to store food items selected from group consisting of biscuits, cakes, buns, and rolls, wherein a touch interactive display panel 103 is provided on said housing 101 for enabling a user to provide input commands regarding packaging of said food item;
ii) a microcontroller linked with said display panel 103 upon receiving said user’s commands actuates a vibrating unit 104 embedded on base of said first chamber 102 to facilitate movement of items and a hinged lid 105 provided with said first chamber 102 through which items exit and transfers over a motorized cross-belt sorter conveyor 106 positioned adjacent to said first chamber 102;
iii) a waste compartment 107 connected to said conveyor 106 to receive defective or waste items, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 is installed inside said housing 101 that works in sync with a odor sensor for detecting freshness and odor of items during sorting, and directing stale or defective items to said waste compartment 107;
iv) a second storage chamber 109 located front of said conveyor 106, wherein said second storage chamber 109 is used for packaging items into either cartons or packets, wherein a multiple-packet storage unit 110 is integrated into said second storage chamber 109 for storing packets and carton boxes of various sizes;
v) a lid dispensing mechanism integrated with each packet storage unit 110, said lid dispensing mechanism dispenses a packet or carton box based on size and type of item to be packaged, wherein a third chamber 111 is integrated inside said housing 101 and used for sealing said packed items, and said third chamber 111 is divided into two sections: one section for sealing boxes and other section for sealing packets;
vi) a tactile sensor configured inside said third chamber 111 to detect material of said packet or box and trigger appropriate sealing process based on detected material type, wherein said first section includes a box sealer unit 112 for sealing cartons, and second section is equipped with a pair of clippers 113 mounted on secondary motorized ball-and-socket joints that adjust based on size and position of packet, said clippers 113 are integrated with a Peltier unit and a temperature sensor for cold or heat sealing based on packaging material; and
vii) a fourth chamber 114 installed underside said chamber 111, a pair of clamping units 115 are mounted on sliding units 118 positioned parallel to third and fourth chamber 111, 114, wherein said sliding units 118 and clamping units 115 are dynamically adjusted by said microcontroller to hold packets and boxes in place during sealing process and subsequently move sealed items into fourth chamber 114 for temporary storage.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conveyor 106 includes motorized flaps 116 connected to primary motorized ball-and-socket joints that adjust flap angles based on position of food item, directing items into appropriate sections of waste compartment 107 or second storage chamber 109.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lid dispensing mechanism comprises a motorized slider positioned around second chamber 109, a motorized slider controlling movement of extendable rods integrated with said slider to position a carton box or packet onto a platform inside said second chamber 109 , and said rods extending to open hollow space of box or packet, thereby allowing an item to be inserted into packaging.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each extendable rod is equipped with a suction unit that adjusts its angle based on box or packet's position and ensures that box or packet is securely closed before it is moved for further processing.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vessel 117 stored with adhesive is attached to said second section of third chamber 111, said adhesive vessel 117 is connected to a conduit and an electronic nozzle that dispenses adhesive for sealing both packets and boxes.