Abstract: A utensil cleaning device, comprising a housing 101 for containing utensils within housing 101 for cleaning, a first belt 102 installed in housing 101 to position utensils, an imaging unit 103 installed within housing 101 determining presence of residue on utensil, a nozzle 104 in housing 101 by means of a lead screw arrangement 105 to spray water, a vacuum unit 106 in housing 101 to extract removed residue, a gripper 107 grips and manipulate utensils, a sliding units 108, having a tray 109 for receiving dish, a circular slider 110 attached with a curved scrubbing flaps 111 mounted on slider 110 via hinges telescopic bars 112 for scrubbing, a telescopic rod 113 having bristles 114 for scrubbing a tumbler, a sprayers 115 over rod 113 dispense cleaning solution, a spouts 116 for spraying water and a second belt 118 in housing 101 conveying cleaned utensils into a box 119.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a utensil cleaning device that automatically identifies and cleans various types of utensils based on the shape, material, and specific cleaning requirements of the utensil. In addition, the device disclosed herein also ensures efficient and customized cleaning for each utensil type without manual intervention, thereby enhancing hygiene, convenience, and operational efficiency in kitchen environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In modern households and commercial kitchens, the need for an efficient utensil cleaning device has become essential due to time constraints, hygiene concerns, and increasing workloads. Manual cleaning of utensils is often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inconsistent, leading to incomplete removal of residue, exposure to harsh detergents, and potential health hazards. Users frequently struggle with cleaning utensils of varying shapes and materials, especially those with stubborn stains or intricate designs. Traditional dishwashers lack adaptability to handle different cleaning requirements, resulting in damage to delicate items or inefficient cleaning of heavily soiled ones. These limitations highlight the demand for a smart, automated solution that identify utensil types, assess cleaning needs, and perform thorough, hands-free cleaning and drying with precision and reliability.
[0003] Existing devices such as conventional dishwashers and ultrasonic cleaners offer partial automation in utensil cleaning but come with notable drawbacks. Standard dishwashers follow a fixed cycle, lacking the ability to differentiate between utensil types, stain severity, or material sensitivity, often leading to incomplete cleaning or damage. Ultrasonic cleaners are typically limited to small items and are ineffective for heavily soiled or large utensils. Most available solutions are not capable of dynamically adjusting cleaning operations. Additionally, they require significant manual pre-rinsing or sorting, lack integrated drying and disinfection features, and are not space-efficient for varied utensil types. These limitations create a gap for a more adaptable, intelligent, and comprehensive cleaning solution.
[0004] US3856572A discloses an apparatus for cleaning utensils or the like, especially for cleaning laboratory utensils, wherein at least one carrier frame or rack for receiving the articles to be cleaned is provided and wherein the articles can be treated by different treatment liquids which are infed via a nozzle system. The nozzle system is successively connected in flow communication with separate conduits for the infeed of the different treatment liquids.
[0005] US9949610B2 discloses a personal dishwasher washes and dries a dish that is manually or mechanically moved through a dishwasher chamber or is manually placed in and manually removed from the chamber. Pressurized water, possibly containing soap, wetting agent, etc., may be added to the wash water. Steam may be used to for cleaning and/or disinfecting. Ultraviolet light may be used for disinfecting. The dishwasher chamber may be enlarged to pass larger dishes, bowls, glassware, etc. for washing. A method of washing dishes, comprising inserting a dish manually into a dishwasher, passing the dish through the dishwasher, and withdrawing the dish. A method of washing a dish, comprising inserting a single dish into a dishwasher, directing fluid under pressure at the dish, directing air flow at the dish, and withdrawing the dish.
[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market for cleaning utensils. However, these cited inventions lack to automate the segregation of the utensils based on the shape for effective cleaning. While the conventional devices through provide automatic rinsing, but lack to provide an automatic drying which leads water marks on the utensil.
[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of segregating the utensils based on the shape and material for effective cleaning. In addition, the developed device also needs be capable of dying the utensils in order to enhance the finishing of the cleaned utensils.
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 that automatically cleans various types of utensils based on their shape and cleaning needs.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that identifies the condition of utensils and adjusts the cleaning process accordingly.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that enables automatic handling, cleaning, and drying of utensils without manual involvement.
[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 utensil cleaning device that identifies condition of utensils, such as presence of residue or stubborn stains, and adjusts the cleaning process accordingly to ensure optimal cleaning performance according to the specific condition of each utensil.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a utensil cleaning device, comprising a housing is provided for containing utensils for cleaning, with designated parts including a first part for cleaning dishes and a second part for cleaning tumblers, a touch-enabled display unit mounted on the housing allows the user to input the utensil type, stain type, and initiate cleaning operations accordingly, a first conveyor belt is installed within the housing to transport utensils toward either the first or second part, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated with a processor is installed inside the housing to record and analyze images of utensils on the first conveyor belt to detect residue, a nozzle connected through a dual-axis lead screw arrangement sprays water onto utensils and receives water from a tank located in the housing, a vacuum unit is also positioned within the housing to extract washed residue and transfer the residue to a collection chamber, an articulated telescopic gripper is included in the housing to grip and manipulate the utensil for thorough washing, a pair of vertical sliding units hold a tray for receiving dishes from the belt and lifting them toward a circular slider in the housing, the slider is fitted with curved scrubbing flaps mounted via hinged telescopic bars for utensil scrubbing, and the second part features a motorized telescopic rod with bristles at the end for scrubbing tumblers.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises of a plurality of sprayers mounted on the rod dispense cleaning solution into the tumbler during scrubbing and are connected to a compartment within the housing that stores the cleaning solution, a plurality of spouts are positioned within the housing in both the first and second parts for spraying water and detergent sourced from a partitioned reservoir in the housing and connected to the spouts through conduits, a heating element is integrated within the reservoir to heat the water sprayed by the spouts depending on the type of stain identified by the imaging unit, an articulated telescopic limb equipped with a pneumatic pin is mounted on a linear guide within the housing to scratch off stubborn stains as detected by the imaging unit, a second conveyor belt is located within the housing to carry cleaned utensils to a box also within the housing for storage, a robotic arm is responsible for transferring cleaned utensils onto the second conveyor belt, a capacitive sensor placed on the second conveyor belt distinguishes between metallic and non-metallic utensils for segregation inside the box using a robotic gripper connected via a dual-axis lead screw assembly, a plurality of air blowers are installed in the box for drying the utensils and a UV ultraviolet lamp is also included in the box for disinfecting the cleaned utensils.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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 a utensil cleaning device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] The present invention relates to a utensil cleaning device that enables automatic handling, cleaning, and drying of utensils without manual involvement. In addition, the device disclosed herein also ensures a fully automated process that enhances convenience, hygiene, and efficiency in kitchen environments without requiring user intervention during any stage of operation.
[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a utensil cleaning device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 for containing utensils within the housing 101 for cleaning, a first conveyor belt 102 installed in the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed within the housing 101, a nozzle 104 attached in the housing 101 by means of a dual-axis lead screw arrangement 105, a vacuum unit 106 disposed in the housing 101, an articulated telescopic gripper 107 attached within the housing 101, a pair of vertical sliding units 108, arranged in the housing 101, a tray 109 between the sliding unit 108, a circular slider 110 arranged within the housing 101, a plurality of curved scrubbing flaps 111 are mounted on the slider 110 by means of hinges telescopic bars 112, a motorised telescopic rod 113 having bristles 114 at an end of the rod 113, a plurality of sprayers 115 provided over the rod 113,
[0023] Figure 1 further comprises of a plurality of spouts 116 attached within the housing 101, a partitioned reservoir 117 in the housing 101, a second conveyor belt 118 provided in the housing 101 conveying cleaned utensils into a box 119 in the housing 101 for storage, a robotic arm 120 in the housing 101, a water tank 121 provided in the housing 101, a chamber 122 provided in the housing 101, a compartment 123 within the housing 101, an articulated telescopic limb 124 attached within the housing 101 by means of a linear guide 125 having a pneumatic pin 126, a touch enabled display unit 127 mounted on the housing 101, a robotic gripper 128 attached within the box 119, a plurality of air blowers 129 installed within the box 119 and a UV (ultraviolet) lamp 130 is attached within the box 119.
[0024] The device disclosed in the present invention comprises of a housing 101 that serves as an enclosed structure developed to hold and clean various kitchen utensils. Within the housing 101, specific sections are allocated for cleaning different types of utensils, allowing for organized and efficient operation. These designated parts ensure that each utensil receives appropriate cleaning treatment based on the shape and cleaning requirements of the utensil. The first designated part is specifically meant for cleaning dishes, flatware or plate-like items. The second part is intended for cleaning tumblers, which are typically cylindrical and require different handling. A first conveyor belt 102 is installed inside the housing 101 to accommodate utensils placed by a user.
[0025] To activate the device, the user manually presses a push button which is installed on the housing 101. Upon pressing the button, the circuits within the device gets close, allowing electric current to flow. The push button has an outer casing and an inner arrangement, including a spring and metal contacts. When the button is pressed, the spring-loaded arrangement inside is pushes down on. In the default state, the internal contacts are apart, so the circuit is open and no electricity flows. Pressing the button makes the contacts touch each other, closing the circuit and allowing electricity to flow, which activates an inbuilt microcontroller that regulates the further options of the device.
[0026] The microcontroller then activates a touch enabled display unit 127 mounted on the housing 101 for enabling user to provide touch input regarding type of utensils type of stains on the utensils and initiating cleaning operations, accordingly. The display unit 127 consists of multiple layers, including a transparent conductive layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass, which forms the surface that users directly touch. Beneath the layer lies a grid of electrodes, typically made of a conductive material like copper or silver, arranged in rows and columns. When the user touches the display panel, it creates a measurable change in capacitance at the point of contact, altering the electrical field between the electrodes. This change is detected by the controller circuitry embedded within the display unit 127, which interprets the position and intensity of the touch. The controller then converts this data into digital signals representing user inputs, which are further processed by the microcontroller associated with the device.
[0027] Based on the input commands received through the display unit 127, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed within the housing 101 for determining the presence of residue food over the utensils placed on the first belt 102. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the first belt 102 and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of the processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and evaluate the presence of residue food on the utensils.
[0028] In accordance to the presence of residue on the utensils, the microcontroller actuates a nozzle 104 attached in the housing 101 by means of a dual-axis lead screw arrangement 105 for dispensing water over the utensils in order to wash the residue from the utensils. The nozzle 104 comprises of a gate and a magnetic coil which uses electricity from microcontroller to generate the force to control the opening/closing of gate to control the flow of the water through a small aperture of the nozzle 104, allowing for precise control of the flow of the water on the utensil.
[0029] In synchronization with the nozzle 104, the microcontroller actuates a pump arranged within the watertank 121 for pushing the water towards the nozzle 104 through a connected conduit. The pump works by converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy to move the water from the tank 121 to the nozzle 104. The pump consists of a motor or engine that drives an impeller, a rotating component inside the pump. As the impeller spins, it creates suction that draws water into the pump and pushes the drawn water out through the outlet to the nozzle 104.
[0030] The microcontroller actuates the dual-axis lead screw arrangement 105 alongside the nozzle 104 efficiently the utensils accommodated over the first belt 102. The dual-axis lead screw arrangement 105 provides movement by using two lead screws, each aligned along a different axis. Each lead screw is driven by its motor, which rotates in their respective lead screws, which have a threaded shaft that interacts with a nut mounted on the lead screw connected to the nozzle 104. When a motor turns its lead screw, the nut moves linearly along the screw's length leading to the movement of the nozzle 104. The nozzle 104 moves on the X and Y axes in a synchronized manner to cover the utensils.
[0031] Upon dispensing the water over the utensils, the microcontroller activates a vacuum unit 106 disposed in the housing 101 in order to remove the washed residue from the utensils and transfer the removed residue in a collection chamber 122 arranged in the housing 101. The vacuum unit 106 begins operation when an electric motor powers a high-speed impeller. As the impeller rotates, it rapidly pushes air out of the collection chamber 122, creating a low-pressure zone (vacuum) inside the chamber 122. The low-pressure difference generates strong suction at the inlet. When the inlet is placed near utensils, the suction draws in the removed residue into the vacuum chamber 122. The heavier components settle at the bottom of the chamber 122, while moisture-laden air passes through a filtration arrangement to trap fine particles and moisture.
[0032] In synchronization with the residue removal process, the microcontroller actuates an articulated telescopic gripper 107 attached within the housing 101 for gripping and manipulating the utensils in view of completely washing the utensils with water. The articulated telescopic gripper 107 combines telescopic extension and joint articulation to reach, and manipulate the utensils. The gripper 107 consists of multiple nested segments that extend and retract using electric pneumatic arrangement. Articulated joints are powered by a servo motor, enabling the gripper 107 to bend and orient itself in different directions. At the end of the gripper 107, a gripping jaw arrangement opens and closes using servo actuation.
[0033] After removing the residue from the utensils, the microcontroller re-activates the imaging unit 103 to detect the type of utensils paced over the first belt 102. The imaging unit 103 works in the similar manner as mentioned above. Based on the type of utensil placed over the first belt 102, the microcontroller actuates the first belt 102 to translate the utensil to one of the first part and the second part. The conveyor belt works by using two motorized pulleys that loop over a long stretch of thick and durable material. The motor drives the pulley at the same speed and spin in the same. As the pulley turns, it pulls the belt along its path. The belt moves over a series of rollers, which reduce friction and support the belt. As the belt moves, the utensils placed on the conveyer is transported to the first part and the second part of the housing 101.
[0034] Based on the type of the utensil place over the first belt 102, the microcontroller actuates a pair of vertical sliding unit 108 to translate a tray 109 positioned between the sliding units 108 downwards. The sliding unit 108 installed with the tray 109 consist of a sliding rail and a motorized slidable member connected to the sliding rail. The motorized slidable member is attached to the tray 109 and sliding rail on both sides to make the tray 109 slide downwards. The slidable member is attached to a motor which provides movement to the member in a bi-directional manner. As the tray 109 is moved down, the dish is pushed over the tray 109 through the forward motion of the first belt 102 and then the sliding unit 108 re-actuated by the microcontroller for lifting the dish towards a circular slider 110 arranged on the ceiling portion of the housing 101.
[0035] As the dish is placed in proximity of the circular slider 110, the microcontroller actuates the circular slider 110 to provide a rotation motion to a plurality of curved scrubbing flaps 111 mounted on the circular slider 110 by means of hinges telescopic bars 112 in order to scrub the uncleaned portion of the utensil. The circular slider 110 installed with the body to translate the panel to position a display panel equipped with the motorized circular slider 110 on upper portion of the body. The circular slider 110 is configured to rotate the flaps 111. The slider 110 comprises a circular track or guide 125 rail along which the flaps 111 are mounted. An electric motor operatively coupled to the slider 110 generates rotational motion, which is transmitted through a gear arrangement to move the flaps 111 along the circular path.
[0036] The telescopic bars 112 are actuated by the microcontroller to apply appropriate pressure while cleaning the dish. The telescopic bars 112 are powered by a pneumatic arrangement that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the bars 112. The pneumatic arrangement is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder from one end, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the bars 112 and due to applied pressure, the bars 112 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the bars 112 by pushing compressed air via the other end of the cylinder, by opening the corresponding valve resulting in retraction of the piston, and the retraction of the bars 112. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the bars 112 to apply optimum pressure over the dish while scrubbing.
[0037] In case, the detected utensil is a tumbler then the first conveyer belt translates the tumbler to the second part of the housing 101. The microcontroller then actuates a motorised telescopic rod 113 having bristles 114 at an end for scrubbing of a tumbler. The telescopic rod 113 herein is powered through a pneumatic arrangement associated with the device. The extension/retraction of the rod 113 works in the similar manner as mentioned above. In synchronization with the extension/retraction of the rod 113, the microcontroller activates a plurality of sprayers 115 provided over the rod 113 for dispensing cleaning solution into the tumbler for efficient cleaning. The sprayer works in the similar manner as the nozzle 104 as mentioned above. Alongside the activation of the sprayer, the microcontroller activates a pump to draw cleaning solution from a compartment 123 within the housing 101. The pump works in the similar manner as mentioned above.
[0038] In case, the imaging unit 103 detects stubborn stain on the utensil, the microcontroller actuates a linear guide 125 arranged on the housing 101 for translation an articulated telescopic limb 124 installed on the guide 125 over the utensil where the stubborn stain is detected. The linear guide 125 enables precise straight-line motion of the limb 124 by using a combination of a guide 125 rail and a sliding carriage. The carriage is fitted with recirculating ball bearings or rollers that move along the rail with minimal friction. As an external force, such as from a motor, drives the carriage, the bearings circulate in a continuous loop between the rail and the block, ensuring smooth, accurate, and stable motion.
[0039] Upon scrubbing the utensils in the first and second part, the microcontroller activates a plurality of spouts 116 arranged within the housing 101 for spraying water and detergent over the utensils for finalize the cleaning of the utensils, from a partitioned reservoir 117 arranged in the housing 101 through a conduit. The spouts 116 work in the similar manner as the sprayer as mentioned above.
[0040] Before despising the water and the detergent, the microcontroller activates a heating element equipped with the reservoir 117 in order to heat the stored water. The heating element works by passing an electric current through a high-resistance material, such as a metal coil or conductive plate. As current flows, electrical energy is converted into heat due to the material’s resistance. This heat is then transferred to the water through conduction, raising the temperature of the water to the required level.
[0041] Upon cleaning the utensils, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 120 installed in the housing 101 for placing the cleaned utensils over a second conveyer belt arranged in the housing 101 in continuation of the first conveyer belt. The robotic arm 120 contains an end effector and several segments that are attached together by motorized joints also referred to as axes. Each joints of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic arm 120 to complete a specific motion in translating the equipped end effector. The end effector further comprises of a pair of jaws hinged with each other by means of a bi-directional step motor. On actuation the step motor rotates and enables the opening/closing of the jaws of the effector for releasing/gripping the utensils from first belt 102 to the second belt 118.
[0042] As the utensils are place over the second belt 118, the microcontroller activates a capacitive sensor provided on the second conveyor belt 118 for detecting metallic or non-metallic utensils. The capacitive sensor detects metallic and non-metallic utensils by sensing changes in capacitance near its surface. The capacitive sensor detects utensils by sensing changes in the electric field caused by their dielectric properties. When a utensil approaches the sensor, it alters the capacitance. Metal utensils, being conductive, cause a stronger and faster change in capacitance, while non-metal utensils like glass or plastic produce weaker and slower changes. The capacitive sensor alone does not identify material type, but when paired with a microcontroller, the capacitive sensor analyzes the magnitude and speed of the signal change. By setting specific thresholds, the microcontroller differentiates between metal and non-metal utensils based on the characteristics of their interaction with the electric field.
[0043] Based on the detected type of the utensil, the microcontroller actuates a robotic gripper 128 attached within a box 119 by means of a dual axis lead screw assembly for segregating the metallic or non-metallic utensils in the box 119. The robotic gripper 128 uses actuators to open and close gripper 128 jaws to allow the gripper 128 to hold the utensil. The gripper 128 is connected to a motor that generates motion which is transmitted to the linkages to move the gripper 128 in the required manner. The lead screw assembly is actuated by the microcontroller for providing bi-directional motion to the gripper 128 for accessing the different sections of the box 119. The lead screw works in the similar manner as mentioned above.
[0044] The box 119 is equipped with a plurality of air blowers 129 that are actuated by the microcontroller for drying the cleaned utensils. The air blower 129 works by using a motor to drive a fan, which generates a flow of air. The motor is typically powered by electricity and is connected to a fan blade that spins at high speed. As the fan blades rotate, they create a pressure difference that pulls air into the blower 129 and forces the pulled air out through an outlet. The direction and intensity of the airflow is controlled by the microcontroller.
[0045] Upon drying the utensils placed in the box 119, the microcontroller activates a UV (ultraviolet) lamp 130 attached within the box 119 for disinfecting the utensils. The UV lamp 130 emits UV light for a pre-set time duration. When the UV lamp 130 activates, emitting UV-C light that effectively kills or deactivates microorganisms on the on the utensils. After a designated disinfection period, the UV lamp 130 is shut off to prevent unnecessary UV exposure.
[0046] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the device.
[0047] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 as disclosed in the invention, encloses designated parts for cleaning different utensils, such as the first part for dishes and flatware, and the second part for tumblers. The device is activated by the push button that closes the circuit and powers the touch-enabled display unit 127, allowing the user to input utensil and stain type. Based on the input, the imaging unit 103 equipped with lenses and artificial intelligence protocol detects food residue on utensils placed over the first conveyor belt 102. The nozzle 104, controlled via the dual-axis lead screw, dispenses water while the pump transfers water from the tank 121. The vacuum unit 106 removes loosened residue and transfers it to the collection chamber 122. The articulated telescopic gripper 107 manipulates utensils for thorough cleaning. Post residue removal, the imaging unit 103 identifies utensil type, triggering translation of utensils using the conveyor belt and vertical sliding unit 108. The dish is cleaned using curved scrubbing flaps 111 on the circular slider 110, assisted by the telescopic rod 113 with pneumatic actuation. Tumblers are cleaned using the motorized telescopic rod 113 with bristles 114, sprayers 115, and pump. Stubborn stains are scrubbed using the articulated limb 124 on the linear guide 125. Final rinsing is done via spouts 116 using heated water and detergent. Cleaned utensils are transferred to the second belt 118 using the robotic arm 120, segregated by material using the capacitive sensor and robotic gripper 128, dried by air blowers 129, and disinfected with the UV lamp 130.
[0048] 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 utensil cleaning device, comprising:
i) a housing 101 for containing utensils within said housing 101 for cleaning, wherein said housing 101 is provided with designated parts for cleaning of specific utensils, wherein said designated parts comprise a first part for cleaning of dishes and a second part for cleaning of tumblers;
ii) a first conveyor belt 102 installed in said housing 101, on which said utensils are positioned for conveying said utensils towards one of said first part and said second part;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed within said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images of utensils placed on said first conveyor belt 102, to determine presence of residue on said utensil trigger said microcontroller to actuate a nozzle 104 attached in said housing 101 by means of a dual-axis lead screw arrangement 105 to spray water onto said utensil and a vacuum unit 106 disposed in said housing 101 to remove said washed residue;
iv) an articulated telescopic gripper 107 attached within said housing 101 grips said utensil and manipulates said utensil for a complete washing from water from said nozzle 104;
v) said imaging unit 103 determines type of utensil and actuate said belt to convey said utensil to one of said first part and said second part;
vi) said first part comprise a pair of vertical sliding units 108, arranged in said housing 101, having a tray 109 between said sliding unit 108 for receiving said dish from said belt and raising said dish towards a circular slider 110 arranged within said housing 101, wherein a plurality of curved scrubbing flaps 111 are mounted on said slider 110 by means of hinges telescopic bars 112 for scrubbing of utensil placed within said slider 110;
vii) said second part comprises a motorised telescopic rod 113 having bristles 114 at an end for scrubbing of a tumbler, while a plurality of sprayers 115 provided over said rod 113 dispense cleaning solution into said tumbler while scrubbing;
viii) a plurality of spouts 116 attached within said housing 101 in said first part and said second part for spraying water and detergent from a partitioned reservoir 117 in said housing 101, connected with said spouts 116 by conduits; and
ix) a second conveyor belt 118 provided in said housing 101 for conveying cleaned utensils into a box 119 in said housing 101 for storage, wherein a robotic arm 120 in said housing 101 places cleaned utensils onto said second conveyor belt 118.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nozzle 104 receives water from a water tank 121 provided in said housing 101.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vacuum unit 106 collects said residue into a chamber 122 provided in said housing 101.
4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sprayers 115 are connected with a compartment 123 within said housing 101 stored with said cleaning solution.
5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an articulated telescopic limb 124 attached within said housing 101 by means of a linear guide 125 and having a pneumatic pin 126 for scratching of stubborn stains detected by said imaging unit 103.
6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch enabled display unit 127 mounted on said housing 101 for enabling user to provide touch input regarding type of utensils, type of stains on said utensils and initiating cleaning operations, accordingly.
7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a heating element is provided in said reservoir 117 for heating of water sprayed from said spouts 116, based on type of stain being scrubbed on said utensil, as detected by said imaging unit 103.
8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a capacitive sensor provided on said second conveyor belt 118 detects metallic and non-metallic utensils for segregating said utensils in said box 119 by a robotic gripper 128 attached within said box 119 by means of a dual axis lead screw assembly.
9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of air blowers 129 installed within said box 119 for drying of utensils.
10) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a UV (ultraviolet) lamp 130 is attached within said box 119 for disinfecting said utensils.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202541037439-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 2 | 202541037439-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 3 | 202541037439-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 4 | 202541037439-PROOF OF RIGHT [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 5 | 202541037439-POWER OF AUTHORITY [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 6 | 202541037439-FORM-9 [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 7 | 202541037439-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 8 | 202541037439-FORM 18 [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 9 | 202541037439-FORM 1 [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 10 | 202541037439-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 11 | 202541037439-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 12 | 202541037439-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 13 | 202541037439-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 14 | 202541037439-DRAWINGS [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 15 | 202541037439-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |
| 16 | 202541037439-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [17-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-17 |