Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated meal preparation system that is capable of preparing, cooking, and serving meals in a convenient, hygienic, and efficient manner with minimal human intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The increasing pace of modern lifestyles has created a significant demand for convenient, hygienic, and efficient solutions for daily meal preparation. Conventional cooking requires multiple stages including ingredient preparation, cleaning, seasoning, cooking, and serving, each of which consumes considerable time and effort. Individuals with busy schedules often face challenges in managing these processes, resulting in reliance on ready-made or packaged foods that compromise freshness, nutrition, and taste. Moreover, manual cooking involves repetitive tasks that not only delay meal preparation but also increase dependency on skilled culinary practices. The need for an automated system capable of managing all essential steps in meal preparation has therefore emerged as a promising technological advancement to reduce time, improve consistency, and enhance user convenience in both domestic and commercial settings.

[0003] Traditionally, meal preparation has been performed manually, where every stage such as washing, peeling, chopping, seasoning, and cooking requires direct human involvement. While this approach offers flexibility, it is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and subject to inconsistency in quality due to variations in skill and effort. Manual methods also create challenges in hygiene maintenance, as frequent handling of ingredients increases the risk of contamination. In commercial kitchens, these limitations often result in high operational costs, uneven productivity, and difficulty in maintaining standardisation across servings. With rising consumer expectations for fresh, customized, and hygienic meals delivered quickly.

[0004] US10154762B2 discloses an automated kitchen system having multiple cooking and/or mixing pots and having containers and dispensers for multiple ingredients. A customer or other person or system selects or creates a meal or other food product and the ingredients for the meal or other product are transferred from dispensers to the cooking and/or mixing pots which simultaneously cook and/or mix the ingredients. After cooking, the meal or other product is served and the cooking pot is cleaned and sanitized and oriented to receive the ingredients for the next meal or other product.

[0005] WO2021172983A1 discloses an automated meal preparation apparatus for continuous preparation of meals, comprising a closed- loop conveyor rail configured to support a plurality of cooking pots, driving means configured to simultaneously convey the cooking pots in a conveying direction along the closed-loop conveyor rail to a plurality of separate stations sequentially located along the closed-loop conveyor rail and being stationary with respect thereto, the plurality of stations comprising an ingredient dispensing station comprising an ingredient dispenser configured to dispense ingredients in a cooking pot, a preparation station, located downstream from the ingredient dispensing station in the conveying direction, and comprising a heating element, a serving station, located downstream from the preparation station, and comprising a dispensing mechanism, and a cleaning station, located downstream from the serving station and upstream from the ingredient dispensing station in the conveying direction, and comprising a cleaning unit configured to clean a cooking pot.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems designed for meal preparation rely heavily on manual intervention, limited automation, or single-function machines, resulting in fragmented processes, increased preparation time, and inconsistent results, thereby failing to deliver a fully integrated, hygienic, and efficient solution for complete automated meal preparation.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that perform complete meal preparation in an automated, hygienic, and efficient manner, reducing human effort while ensuring consistency, convenience, and reliable delivery of cooked meals.

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 system that automates the washing of meal ingredients in a controlled and hygienic manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that enables automated peeling of ingredients with precision and reduced wastage.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that facilitates automated cutting of ingredients based on their size and shape.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that allows customization of meals as per user preferences while maintaining consistency and quality.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to an automated meal preparation system that is capable of performing end-to-end meal preparation in a seamless, hygienic, and efficient manner, enabling users to obtain freshly prepared meals with consistency, convenience, and minimal manual effort.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, an automated meal preparation system comprises of a multi-part housing provided with an inlet having a motorised door, a conveyor belt provided at the inlet of the housing to facilitate loading of meal ingredients, a washing unit disposed within the housing to receive the meal ingredient from the belt and wash the ingredients, the washing unit comprises a robotic arm with a tray at an end to place ingredients from the belt onto a platform within the housing, a water tank disposed in the housing, a plurality of nozzles arranged within the housing, in fluid communication with the tank to spray water onto the ingredients and a plurality of perforations over the platform to drain waste water into a recess underneath the platform, a peeling unit provided in the housing to peel the ingredients washed from the washing unit, the peeling unit comprises a pair of first articulated telescopic bars having first suctions cups at the ends, mounted on a motorised rotatable ring, to grip the ingredients over a base within the ring, a pair of articulated extendable links attached within the housing by means of a sliding unit, each of the links provided with a motorised roller having teeth formed on the surface of the rollers to remove peel from the ingredients with friction, the peeling action regulated based on an optical sensor capturing dimensions of the ingredients and peel remaining over the ingredients and a motorised flap formed in the base to dispense the peeled ingredients into a bowl underneath the base by means of semi-circular member connected with the bowl by means of pin joints and supported within the housing by means of an articulate telescopic rod, a chopping unit disposed in the housing to chop the peeled ingredients in accordance with the dimensions and shape of the ingredients detected by means of an imaging unit integrated in the housing, capturing images of the peeled ingredients.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the system further comprises of a seasoning unit to season the ingredients received from the chopping unit, the seasoning unit comprises a hemispherical motorised rotatable compartment to receive the cut ingredients from the bowl by a rotation of the bowl, a multi-section annular chamber attached within the housing by means of a support having a motor, stored with a plurality of seasonings, a hopper attached underneath each section of the chamber to direct seasonings into the compartment, as dispensed via an iris hole crafted underneath each section of the chamber and a mixing arrangement configured with the compartment to mix the seasonings with the ingredients, an oil dispensing unit installed in the housing to dispense oil into a rotatable cooking utensil receiving the seasoned ingredients from the compartment, the oil dispensing unit comprises a plurality of reservoirs provided within the housing, stored with various types of oils, dispensed via a nozzle provided with each of the reservoirs, the nozzle connected with the reservoir by means of a conduit configured with a solenoid valve, a gimbal arrangement configured with the utensil, supporting the utensil within the housing to rotate and angularly move the utensil during cooking within the utensil by means of an induction unit embedded at a bottom portion of the utensil, a serving panel provided at an outlet of the housing to receive cooked food from the utensil, a motorised gate provided with each part of the housing to enable selecting processing of ingredients, a touch-enabled display unit is mounted on the housing to enable user to input meal preparation preferences, a control module configured with a control unit to receive user preferences and regulate meal preparation operations accordingly.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 meal preparation system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to an automated meal preparation system that is capable of performing end-to-end processing of meal ingredients, including preparation, seasoning, cooking, and serving, in a fully automated and hygienic manner, thereby reducing manual effort, ensuring consistency, and delivering meals efficiently according to user preferences.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated meal preparation system is illustrated, comprising a multi-part housing 101 with a motorised door 102, a conveyor belt 103 installed at an inlet of the housing 101, a robotic arm 104 with a tray 105 at an end integrated in the housing 101, a platform 106 with plurality of perforations 107 installed within the housing 101, a water tank 108 disposed in the housing 101 integrated with a plurality of nozzles 109, a recess 110 mounted underneath of the platform 106, a pair of first articulated telescopic bars 111 having first suction cups 112 at the end, mounted on a motorised rotatable ring 113 installed in the housing 101, a base 114 integrated within the ring 113, a pair of articulated extendable links 115 attached within the housing 101 by means of a sliding unit 116, each link 115 provided with a motorized roller 117 having teeth, a motorized flap 118 integrated in the base 114, a bowl 119 mounted underneath of the base 114 by means of semi-circular member 120 supported within the housing 101 by means of an articulated telescopic rod 121.

[0024] The figure further comprising, an imaging unit 122 integrated in the housing 101, a pair of second articulated telescopic bars 123 attached within the housing 101 having second suction cups 124, an articulated extendable linkage 125 having a blade 126 at the end attached in the housing 101 by means of a dual axis lead screw arrangement 127, a hemispherical motorized rotatable compartment 128 installed in the housing 101, a multi-section annular chamber 129 attached within the housing 101, a hopper 130 attached underneath each section of the chamber 129, a lid 131 mounted over the compartment 128, a vibration unit 132 installed with the compartment 128, a plurality of reservoirs 133 provided within the housing 101, a nozzle 134 provided with each of the reservoir 133 by means of a conduit 135, a rotatable cooking utensil 136 installed in the housing 101, an induction unit 137 embedded at a bottom portion of the utensil 136, a serving panel 138 provided at an outlet of the housing 101, a motorized gate 139 provided with each part of the housing 101, a touch-enabled display unit 140 mounted on the housing 101, a gimbal arrangement 141 configured with the utensil 136.

[0025] The system disclosed herein comprises of a multi-part housing 101 provided with an inlet and constructed from high-grade stainless-steel panels with heat-resistant and food-safe coatings, divided into multiple interconnected compartments. Each compartment is thermally insulated, ensuring hygienic isolation of processing stages.

[0026] For initiating functionality of the system, the user manually presses a push-button installed on the housing 101. The push button serves as the primary means for turning the system on and off. The push button is typically made from polycarbonate. When push button is pressed to switch on the system it allows current to flow. This sends a signal to system's control unit, instructing it to activate the system. The control unit then powers up the system, enabling them to function.

[0027] After activation of the system, the control unit actuates a motorized door 102 provided on the inlet of the housing 101 to allow access to user. The motorised door 102 is mounted on reinforced hinges and driven by a compact motor connected through a gear means. Upon actuation by the control unit, the motor rotates the hinges to swing the door 102 open or closed. Limit sensors ensure controlled movement and secure sealing at terminal positions.

[0028] Once the door 102 gets open, the control unit actuates a conveyor belt 103 provided at the inlet of the housing 101 to facilitate loading of meal ingredients by the user. The conveyor belt 103 comprises a continuous food-grade belt 103 looped around motor-driven rollers supported by idler rollers for stability. When powered by the control unit, the drive motor rotates the rollers, advancing the belt 103 to transport ingredients. Tensioning elements maintain alignment, while side guards prevent spillage during ingredient loading.

[0029] A washing unit disposed within the housing 101 to receive the meal ingredient from the belt 103 and wash the ingredients. The washing unit comprises of a robotic arm 104 with a tray 105 at an end to place ingredient from the belt 103 onto a platform 106 within the housing 101. The robotic arm 104 consists of articulated joints powered by compact servo motors, when actuated by the control unit and guided by lead screw. Controlled electronically, each joint provides precise angular movement. An end effector with the tray 105 is mounted at the terminal link, enabling accurate pickup and placement of ingredients on the platform 106.

[0030] A water tank 108 dispose in the housing 101 having a plurality of nozzles 109 arranged within the housing 101, in fluid communication with the tank 108 to spray water onto the ingredients. When activated by the control unit, pressurized water flows from the tank 108 and exits the nozzles 109 in controlled spray patterns. Each nozzle 109 is precision-engineered with an orifice and diffuser plate to create uniform misting or jet flow, ensuring efficient washing of ingredients. The nozzles 109 are mounted at strategic angles within the housing 101 to cover the entire washing area, while backflow preventers maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.

[0031] A plurality of perforations 107 integrated over the platform 106 to drain waste water into a recess 110 underneath the platform 106. The plurality of perforations 107 on the platform 106 is precisely distributed to allow wastewater to drain efficiently while retaining solid ingredients. Each perforation 107 is sized to balance optimal drainage and ingredient stability. Beneath the platform 106, the recess 110 functions as a collection chamber for drained wastewater. The recess 110 is sloped toward an outlet connected to a disposal pipe to dispose the collected water. The recess 110 is coated with a non-stick, corrosion-resistant layer, ensuring hygiene, easy cleaning, and uninterrupted fluid redirection.

[0032] After properly wash of the meal ingredients, the control unit actuates a peeling unit provided in the housing 101 to peel the ingredients. The peeling unit comprises a pair of first articulated telescopic bars 111 having first suction cups 112 at the ends, mounted on a motorized rotatable ring 113 to grip the ingredients over a base 114 within the ring 113. The pair of first articulated telescopic bars 111 is constructed with nested cylindrical sections that slide within one another, driven by linear actuators assemblies for smooth extension and retraction. Each bar 111 mounted on the motorised rotatable ring 113, enabling angular positioning around the base 114.

[0033] At free ends of the first articulated telescopic bars 111, the first suction cups 112 are attached, to grip the washed ingredients. The first suction cups 112 are made of flexible, food-grade silicone and connected to a vacuum pump through narrow duct. When activated by the control unit, the pump creates negative pressure inside the cups 112, causing it to seal tightly against the ingredient’s surface. Release valves regulate airflow, enabling quick attachment and detachment during handling.

[0034] The motorised rotatable ring 113 is mounted on precision bearings within the housing 101, ensuring smooth circular motion around its axis. A servo motor coupled with a gear assembly drives the rotation, allowing controlled angular positioning. The first articulated telescopic bars 111 are fixed to the ring 113, enabling them to rotate synchronously with it. Position encoders continuously track angular displacement, while the control unit regulates speed and direction. Safety stops and torque limiters prevent over-rotation, ensuring stable operation and accurate alignment during ingredient handling and peeling.

[0035] Simultaneously, the control unit actuates a pair of articulated extendable links 115 attached within the housing 101 by means of a sliding unit 116, each of the links 115 provided with a motorized roller 117 having teeth formed on the surface of the rollers 117 to remove peel from the ingredients with friction. The pair of articulated extendable links 115 works internally in the similar manner as the articulated telescopic bars 111 operates. Connected with the sliding unit 116, when actuated by the control unit, the sliding unit 116 receives electrical signals to drive its servo motor, which in turn rotates the lead screw. This action translates the carriage smoothly along the guide rail. The articulated extendable links 115 mounted on the carriage advance or retract accordingly. Position feedback from encoders ensures precise alignment, while limit switches prevent over-travel. The coordinated motion, regulated in real time by the control unit, enables accurate positioning of the links 115 for efficient ingredient processing.

[0036] The motorised roller 117 having teeth is a cylindrical element mounted on a rotating shaft powered by an electric motor. The outer surface is embedded with evenly spaced teeth designed to grip and abrade ingredient surfaces. When actuated by the control unit, the motor drives the roller 117 having teeth at controlled speeds, creating friction against the meal ingredient held by suction cups 112. The peeling action is regulated by an optical sensor feedback, adjusting roller 117 pressure and speed. Bearings support smooth rotation, while torque limiters prevent excessive force application.

[0037] The peeling action regulates based on the optical sensor capturing dimensions of the ingredients and peel remaining over the ingredients. The optical sensor operates by emitting a focused beam of laser light, toward the ingredient’s surface. The reflected light is captured by a photodetector array, which converts it into electrical signals. These signals are processed to determine dimensions, surface contours, and the presence of residual peel. Integrated lenses and filters enhance accuracy by reducing ambient light interference. The control unit interprets the sensor’s data in real time, regulating roller 117 speed and pressure for precise, adaptive peeling.

[0038] A motorized flap 118 formed in the base 114 to dispense the peeled ingredients into a bowl 119 underneath the base 114. The motorised flap 118 is mounted on reinforced hinges integrated into the base 114 and connected to a servo motor via a geared linkage. When actuated by the control unit, the motor drives the gears to rotate the flap 118 smoothly between open and closed positions. Position sensors ensure precise angular control, preventing sudden movements or misalignment. The flap’s surface is coated with a food-safe, non-stick material to minimize residue buildup. Its controlled operation directs peeled ingredients efficiently into the underlying bowl 119, ensuring seamless transfer during processing.

[0039] Further, a semi-circular member 120 connected with the bowl 119 by means of pin joints and supported within the housing 101 by means of an articulated telescopic rod 121. The articulated telescopic rod 121 works internally in the similar manner as the first articulated telescopic bars 111 operates. The semi-circular member 120 is designed as a curved structural support attached beneath the base 114, shaped to guide peeled ingredients smoothly into the bowl 119. The member 120 connected to the bowl 119 through the pin joints that allow pivotal motion to the bowl 119. These pin joints consist of cylindrical pins seated within aligned holes, enabling rotation while maintaining stability. Bearings within the joints reduce friction, ensuring smooth, controlled motion, while the control unit synchronizes timing for accurate transfer of the peeled ingredients in the bowl 119 via the articulated telescopic rod 121 for chopping operation.

[0040] Further, the control unit activates an imaging unit 122 integrated in the housing 101 for capturing images of the peeled ingredients. The imaging unit 122 comprises a high-resolution camera module integrated with an illumination source to capture clear images of peeled ingredients. The camera lens focuses incoming light onto a sensor array, converting optical data into digital signals. These signals are processed by embedded image-processing protocols to analyze dimensions, contours, and shapes of the ingredients. Adaptive protocols filter noise and adjust brightness for accuracy. The processed data is transmitted to the control unit, which uses it to regulate chopping dimensions and cutting patterns precisely.

[0041] Once the peeling done, the articulated telescopic rod 121 transfers the bowl 119 via the member 120 towards a chopping unit disposed in the housing 101 to chop the peeled ingredients within the bowl 119, in accordance with the dimensions and shape of the ingredients detected by the imaging unit 122. The chopping unit comprises of a pair of second articulated telescopic bars 123 attached within the housing 101, having second suction cups 124 at the ends to grip the peeled ingredients. The pair of second articulated telescopic bars 123 works internally in the similar manner as the pair of first articulated telescopic bars 111 operates. Similarly, when actuated by the control unit, the second suction cups 124 work internally in the similar manner as the first suction cups 112 operates.

[0042] After gripping the peeled ingredients via the second suction cups 124, the control unit then actuates an articulated extendable linkage 125 having a blade 126 at an end, attached in the housing 101 by means of a dual axis lead screw arrangement 127 to cut the ingredients as per dimensions and shape of the ingredients detected by the imaging unit 122. The articulated extendable linkage 125 works internally in the similar manner as the articulated telescopic bars 111 operates.

[0043] The dual axis lead screw arrangement 127 consists of two perpendicular lead screws, each driven by a dedicated servo motor, allowing precise linear motion along two axes. Nuts mounted on the screws are connected to the articulated extendable linkage 125 carrying the blade 126. When actuated by the control unit, the motors rotate the screws, translating rotational motion into controlled linear displacement. Encoders provide real-time position feedback, ensuring accuracy. The blade 126 crafted from hardened, food-grade stainless steel and mounted on the articulated extendable linkage 125 driven by the dual axis lead screw arrangement 127. When actuated by the control unit, the lead screws position the linkage 125 with precision, guiding the blade 126 along defined paths. The blade’s sharp edge slices ingredients according to dimensions identified by the imaging unit 122. Bearings and anti-backlash means reduce friction and prevent undesired movement, enabling smooth, precise, and synchronized two-dimensional cutting motion.

[0044] After cutting operation, the control unit actuates a seasoning unit integrated in the housing 101 to season the ingredients received from the chopping unit. The articulated telescopic rod 121, after chopping operation, transfers the cut ingredients from the bowl 119 to a hemispherical motorized rotatable compartment 128 comprises under the seasoning unit to receive the cut ingredients from the bowl 119 by a rotation of the bowl 119 via the pin joints.

[0045] The hemispherical motorised rotatable compartment 128 is mounted on a central shaft supported by precision bearings, allowing smooth rotation. A servo motor, connected via a gear drive, rotates the compartment 128 at controlled speeds. When actuated by the control unit, the rotation ensures even distribution of ingredients within. Integrated sensors monitor angular position and speed, enabling precise mixing. The compartment’s inner surface is food-grade and non-stick, while vibration unit 132 assist in uniform blending of ingredients and seasonings during operation.

[0046] The seasoning unit further comprises of a multi-section annular chamber 129 attached within the housing 101 by means of a support having a motor. The chamber 129 stored with a plurality of seasonings. The multi-section annular chamber 129 is a cuboidal, segmented structure mounted on a support within the housing 101. Each section is isolated, allowing separate storage and controlled access of the seasonings.

[0047] A hopper 130 attached underneath each section of the chamber 129 to direct seasonings into the compartment 128 via an iris hole crafted underneath each section of the chamber 129. The iris hole consists of overlapping, concentric metal that expand or contract to vary the opening diameter. When actuated by the control unit, a rotary means adjusts the metal position, controlling the precise flow of seasonings through the iris hole with minimal spillage. Underneath of the iris hole, the hopper 130 is connected to each of the chamber 129. The hopper 130 is a tapered container mounted above the delivery point, designed to direct ingredients downward via gravity. Its smooth, food-grade interior prevents sticking, while sloped walls ensure continuous flow. When actuated, the hopper 130 aligns with outlets to dispense measured quantities of seasonings accurately into the rotatable compartment 128.

[0048] After dispensing the seasonings into the compartment 128, the control unit actuates a mixing arrangement configured with the compartment 128 to mix the seasonings with the ingredients. The mixing arrangement includes a lid 131 mounted over the compartment 128 by means of pivot joint to cover an opening of the compartment 128. When actuated by the control unit, a servo motor drives the pivot joint, rotating the lid 131 smoothly. Bearings reduce friction, while position sensors ensure precise alignment, preventing spillage of the seasoning and meal ingredients while mixing and maintaining hygienic coverage of the compartment 128.

[0049] While, the compartment 128 rotates to mix the seasoning with the ingredients, the control unit activates the vibration unit 132 installed with the compartment 128 to agitate the compartment 128. The vibration unit 132 consists of an electric motor with an off-centre rotating mass, mounted securely on the compartment 128. When actuated by the control unit, the motor spins the mass at controlled speeds, generating oscillatory forces that induce vibration throughout the compartment 128. Springs isolate the vibrations to prevent structural stress on the housing 101. The frequency and amplitude are adjustable via the control unit, ensuring uniform mixing of ingredients and seasonings.

[0050] Once mixing operation completed, the compartment 128 tilts and transfer the seasoned ingredients into a rotatable cooking utensil 136 integrated in the housing 101 to receive seasoned ingredients. The cooking utensil 136 is a rotatable, heat-resistant container crafted from food-grade stainless steel with a non-stick coating. Its curved interior ensures even heat distribution and efficient mixing of ingredients. The utensil’s durable structure withstands high temperatures, thermal cycling, and repeated cleaning while maintaining shape and hygienic performance.

[0051] An oil dispensing unit installed in the housing 101 to dispense oil into the utensil 136. The oil dispensing unit comprises a plurality of reservoirs 133 provided within the housing 101, stored with various types of oils. The plurality of reservoirs 133 comprises sealed, food-grade containers arranged within the housing 101 to store various types of oils. Each reservoir 133 is designed to prevent contamination, evaporation, or spoilage, maintaining oil quality. The containers are structurally reinforced to withstand handling and vibration, ensuring stable, hygienic storage of different types of oils throughout operation.

[0052] A nozzle 134 provided with each of the reservoirs 133 by means of a conduit 135 configured with a solenoid valve to dispense the oil on the utensil 136. The nozzle 134 is a precision-engineered outlet with a narrow orifice that controls the flow of oil or liquid. When actuated by the control unit, the nozzle 134 directs a consistent, focused stream. Internal channels guide the fluid smoothly, and its shape ensures even dispensing while preventing drips or splashing, maintaining hygiene and accuracy during operation.

[0053] The conduit 135 configured with the solenoid valve comprises a fluid-tight tube connecting the reservoirs 133 to the nozzle 134, with the solenoid valve integrated along its length. When actuated by the control unit, the solenoid’s electromagnetic coil moves a plunger to open or close the passage, regulating fluid flow. Seals prevent leakage, while the conduit’s smooth interior ensures uninterrupted delivery. The conduit 135 allows precise, timed dispensing of oils, with the control unit coordinating valve actuation for accurate operation.

[0054] Furthermore, a gimbal arrangement 141 configured with the utensil 136, supporting the utensil 136 within the housing 101 to rotate and angularly move the utensil 136 during cooking within the utensil 136 by means of an induction unit 137 embedded at a bottom portion of the utensil 136. The gimbal arrangement 141 consists of two or more pivoted rings mounted orthogonally, supporting the cooking utensil 136 within the housing 101. Each ring is connected to a motorized actuator that allows controlled rotation and tilting along multiple axes. Precision bearings ensure smooth angular movement, while position sensors provide feedback for stability. When actuated by the control unit, the gimbal arrangement 141 maintains utensil 136 balance during rotation, enabling uniform mixing and cooking while preventing spillage, even when the utensil 136 undergoes complex angular movements.

[0055] The induction unit 137 operates using an electromagnetic coil embedded beneath the utensil’s base. When activated by the control unit, alternating current flows through the coil, generating a magnetic field. This field induces eddy currents in the utensil’s conductive material, producing heat directly within its base. Temperature sensors monitor the heating process, while the control unit regulates current flow to achieve precise temperature control. The induction unit 137 ensures rapid, energy-efficient, and uniform cooking without direct contact, maintaining safety and minimizing heat loss.

[0056] After cooking, the control unit again actuates the gimbal arrangement 141 to tilt the utensil 136 toward the outlet of the housing 101. As the utensil 136 rotates at a controlled angle, its non-stick interior surface allows the cooked food to slide smoothly toward a serving panel 138 provided at an outlet of the housing 101 to receive cooked food from the utensil 136. The motion is carefully regulated to prevent spillage or uneven transfer, ensuring the entire portion is directed onto the serving panel 138 in a hygienic and efficient manner. Once emptied, the utensil 136 reorients back to its original cooking position.

[0057] The serving panel 138 is a flat, food-grade platform positioned at the outlet of the housing 101, designed to receive cooked food from the utensil 136. Its smooth, non-stick surface ensures easy collection and transfer. Slightly inclined edges or raised boundaries guide food placement, preventing spillage and maintaining hygienic presentation for serving.

[0058] A motorized gate 139 provided with each part of the housing 101 to enable selecting processing of ingredients. When actuated by the control unit, the motorized gate 139 works internally in the similar manner as the motorized door 102 at the inlet of the housing 101 operates.

[0059] Additionally, a touch-enabled display unit 140 mounted on the housing 101 to enable user to input meal preparation preferences. The touch-enabled display unit 140 comprises a layered structure with a transparent protective cover, a capacitive touch sensor grid, and an underlying LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or LED (Light Emitting Diode) display. When the user touches the screen, the sensor grid detects changes in electrical signals caused by fingertip contact. These signals are processed by a touch controller, which translates them into precise coordinates. The display unit 140 underneath presents interactive menus, and the control unit interprets user inputs to adjust meal preparation settings, ensuring intuitive and responsive operation of the system.

[0060] Further, a control module configured with the control unit to receive user preferences and regulate meal preparation operation accordingly. The control module receives user preferences from the touch-enabled display and sensor data from various subsystems. Embedded protocols processes this information, generating control signals for actuators, motors, and valves. Real-time feedback loops ensure precise synchronization of operations such as washing, peeling, chopping, seasoning, and cooking. The modular architecture ensures scalability, reliability, and efficient coordination of the entire automated meal preparation process.

[0061] Lastly, a battery is associated with the system as the primary power source for all electrical and electronic components, ensuring portability and uninterrupted operation. supplies current to all the components that need electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the system a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. The system is battery-operated and does not need any electrical voltage to function.

[0062] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the multi-part housing 101 provided with the motorised door 102 on the inlet first actuated by the control unit to allow entry of meal ingredients onto the conveyor belt 103. The conveyor belt 103 advances the ingredients into the washing unit, where the ingredients are collected by the robotic arm 104 via the tray 105 and placed onto the platform 106. Water is sprayed through the plurality of nozzles 109, and the wastewater drains via the perforations 107 into the recess 110 underneath the platform 106. Once washed, the ingredients are directed into the peeling unit, where the first articulated telescopic bars 111 with the first suction cups 112 grip the ingredients, and motorised rollers 117 with teeth perform peeling regulated by the optical sensor. After peeling, the motorised flap 118 opens to transfer the ingredients into the bowl 119 for chopping operations, where the articulated telescopic rod 121 translates the bowl 119 toward the chopping unit. The imaging unit 122 captures the dimensions and shape of the ingredients, and the blade 126 mounted on the dual axis lead screw arrangement 127 via the articulated linkage 125 slices them precisely. The chopped ingredients are then dispensed from the bowl 119 by the telescopic rod 121 via the member 120 into the hemispherical motorized rotatable compartment 128. The multi-section annular chamber 129 selectively dispenses seasonings through the iris holes into the compartment 128, while the mixing arrangement ensures uniform mixing of ingredients and seasonings. The seasoned ingredients are then transferred into the rotatable cooking utensil 136, where the oil dispensing reservoirs 133 release measured oil through conduit 135 into the utensil 136. The gimbal arrangement 141 then allows controlled rotation and angular movement of the utensil 136 while the induction unit 137 heats its base for efficient cooking. Once the meal is prepared, the gimbal arrangement 141 tilts the utensil 136, transferring the cooked food smoothly onto the serving panel 138 positioned at the outlet. Throughout the operation, the touch-enabled display panel allows the user to input preferences, which are processed by the control module configured with the control unit for meal preparation.

[0063] 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 meal preparation system, comprising:
i) a multi-part housing 101 provided with an inlet with a motorised door 102;
ii) a conveyor belt 103 provided at the inlet of the housing 101 to facilitate loading of meal ingredients;
iii) a washing unit disposed within the housing 101 to receive the meal ingredient from the belt 103 and wash the ingredients;
iv) a peeling unit provided in the housing 101 to peel the ingredients washed from the washing unit;
v) a chopping unit disposed in the housing 101 to chop the peeled ingredients in accordance with the dimensions and shape of the ingredients detected by means of an imaging unit 122 integrated in the housing 101, capturing images of the peeled ingredients;
vi) a seasoning unit to season the ingredients received from the chopping unit;
vii) an oil dispensing unit installed in the housing 101 to dispense oil into a rotatable cooking utensil 136 receiving the seasoned ingredients from a compartment 128;
viii) a gimbal arrangement 141 configured with the utensil 136, supporting the utensil 136 within the housing 101 to rotate and angularly move the utensil 136 during cooking within the utensil 136 by means of an induction unit 137 embedded at a bottom portion of the utensil 136; and
ix) a serving panel 138 provided at an outlet of the housing 101 to receive cooked food from the utensil 136.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a motorised gate 139 provided with each part of the housing 101 to enable selecting processing of ingredients.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washing unit comprises a robotic arm 104 with a tray 105 at an end to place ingredients from the belt 103 onto a platform 106 within the housing 101, a water tank 108 disposed in the housing 101, a plurality of nozzles 109 arranged within the housing 101, in fluid communication with the tank 108 to spray water onto the ingredients and a plurality of perforations 107 over the platform 106 to drain waste water into a recess 110 underneath the platform 106.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peeling unit comprises a pair of first articulated telescopic bars 111 having first suctions cups 112 at the ends, mounted on a motorised rotatable ring 113, to grip the ingredients over a base 114 within the ring 113, a pair of articulated extendable links 115 attached within the housing 101 by means of a sliding unit 116, each of the links 115 provided with a motorised roller 117 having teeth formed on the surface of the rollers 117 to remove peel from the ingredients with friction, the peeling action regulated based on an optical sensor capturing dimensions of the ingredients and peel remaining over the ingredients and a motorised flap 118 formed in the base 114 to dispense the peeled ingredients into a bowl 119 underneath the base 114 by means of semi-circular member 120 connected with the bowl 119 by means of pin joints and supported within the housing 101 by means of an articulate telescopic rod 121.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chopping unit comprises a pair of second articulated telescopic bars 123 attached within the housing 101, having second suction cups 124 at the ends to grip peeled ingredients and an articulated extendable linkage 125 having a blade 126 at an end, attached in the housing 101 by means of a dual axis lead screw arrangement 127 to cut the ingredients as per dimensions and shape of the ingredients detected by the imaging unit 122.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seasoning unit comprises a hemispherical motorised rotatable compartment 128 to receive the cut ingredients from the bowl 119 by a rotation of the bowl 119, a multi-section annular chamber 129 attached within the housing 101 by means of a support having a motor, stored with a plurality of seasonings, a hopper 130 attached underneath each section of the chamber 129 to direct seasonings from the compartment 128, as dispensed via an iris hole crafted underneath each section of the chamber 129 and a mixing arrangement configured with the compartment 128 to mix the seasonings with the ingredients.

7) The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mixing arrangement comprises a lid 131 mounted over the compartment 128 by means of pivot joint to cover an opening of the compartment 128, a vibration unit 132 installed with the compartment 128 to agitate the compartment 128 while the compartment 128 rotates to mix the seasonings with the ingredients.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil dispensing unit comprises a plurality of reservoirs 133 provided within the housing 101, stored with various types of oils, dispensed via a nozzle 134 provided with each of the reservoirs 133, the nozzle 134 connected with the reservoirs 133 by means of a conduit 135 configured with a solenoid valve.

9) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch-enabled display unit 140 is mounted on the housing 101 to enable user to input meal preparation preferences.

10) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control module configured with a control unit to receive user preferences and regulate meal preparation operations accordingly.