Claims:1. An apparatus (10) for preparing flatbread, comprising:
a flour dispenser (20) configured to hold a pre-determined quantity of flour and dispense the flour via a first opening, wherein a first set of blades enables dispensing of the pre-determined quantity of flour from the flour dispenser;
a kneader & extruder assembly (30) mechanically coupled to the flour dispenser (20) and configured to mix the pre-determined quantity of flour with water, wherein the water and oil is being provided through an adjoining pipe,
wherein kneaded flour is being dispensed out via a second opening for a pre-configured shape, wherein first rotation of a second set of blades enables kneading of the flour, wherein second rotation of the second set of blades enables dispensing of the kneaded flour;
a rolling unit (40) mechanically coupled to the second opening and configured to collect and transfer the mixed dough;
a cutter mechanically coupled to the rolling unit (40) and configured to cut the pre-configured shape dough;
a plate (50) positioned below the rolling unit (40), and configured to hold and heat the pre-configured shaped dough, wherein the plate (50) is maintained at a pre-defined temperature;
a flipper unit (60) mechanically coupled to the rolling unit (40), and configured to flip the pre-configured shaped dough over the plate for cooking, wherein the heating of the pre-configured shaped dough for a pre-defined time enables preparing of the flatbread.
2. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of thin beams mechanically coupled on sides of the plate (50), and configured to orient the pre-configured shaped dough over the plate (50) after a flipping operation by the flipper unit.
3. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of first blades is operated by a first set of gears controlled by a first set of motors.
4. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of second blades is operated by a second set of gears controlled by a second set of motors.
5. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling unit (40) is operated by a third set of motors.
6. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flipper unit (60) is operated by a fourth set of motors.

Dated this 13th day of December 2019

Signature

Vidya Bhaskar Singh Nandiyal
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2912)
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a field of making bread, and more particularly to an apparatus specially designed for preparing flatbread.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Flatbread is a staple accompaniment of many food items. Preparation process of flatbread is very vital for getting the necessary taste. In the preparation process, each step such as dispensing ingredients, kneading dough, flattening the dough, and cooking the dough plays a major role.
[0003] Automatic preparation of edible products has found increasing acceptance worldwide. Apparatuses that prepare edible products have one or more components that perform the steps involved in preparation of the edible products. Automatic preparation of flatbread with similar steps is very much necessary.
[0004] Manual processing of kneading the flour with water is time taking and laborious. Steps such as heating and flipping of the flatbread need to be flawless to prepare a perfect edible flatbread. Efficient approach would be to use cumulative subsystems or units performing automatically each step function of the flatbread preparation process.
[0005] Hence, there is a need for an apparatus specially designed for preparing flatbread and a method to operate the same and therefore address the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus for preparing flatbread is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flour dispenser. The flour dispenser is configured to hold a pre-determined quantity of flour. The flour dispenser is configured to dispense the flour via a first opening.
[0007] The apparatus also includes a kneader & extruder assembly. The kneader & extruder assembly is mechanically coupled to the flour dispenser. The kneader & extruder assembly is configured to mix the pre-determined quantity of flour with water. Here, the kneaded flour is dispensed out via a second opening for a pre-configured shape of dough. The apparatus also includes a rolling unit mechanically coupled to the second opening. The rolling unit is configured to collect and transfer the mixed dough.
[0008] The apparatus also includes a cutter. The cutter is mechanically coupled to the rolling unit. The cutter is configured to cut the pre-configured shaped dough. The apparatus also includes a plate. The plate is positioned below the rolling unit. The plate is configured to hold and heat the pre-configured shaped dough.
[0009] The apparatus also includes a flipper unit. The flipper unit is mechanically coupled to the rolling unit. The flipper unit is configured to flip the pre-configured shaped dough over the plate for cooking.
[0010] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a top-side view of an apparatus for preparing flatbread in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment representing top view of the apparatus for preparing flatbread of FIG. 1 in accordance of an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment representing side view of the apparatus for preparing flatbread of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] For the purpose of promoting and understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated online platform, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0017] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional subsystems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0019] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for preparing flatbread. The apparatus includes a flour dispenser. The flour dispenser is configured to hold a pre-determined quantity of flour. The flour dispenser is configured to dispense the flour via a first opening.
[0021] The apparatus also includes a kneader & extruder assembly mechanically coupled to the flour dispenser. The kneader & extruder assembly is configured to mix the pre-determined quantity of flour with water. Here, the kneaded flour is dispensed out via a second opening for a pre-configured shape of dough. The apparatus also includes a rolling unit mechanically coupled to the second opening. The rolling unit is configured to collect and transfer the mixed dough.
[0022] The apparatus also includes a cutter. The cutter is mechanically coupled to the rolling unit. The cutter is configured to cut the pre-configured shaped dough. The apparatus also includes a plate. The plate is positioned below the rolling unit. The plate is configured to hold and heat the pre-configured shaped dough.
[0023] The apparatus also includes a flipper unit. The flipper unit is mechanically coupled to the rolling unit. The flipper unit is configured to flip the pre-configured shaped dough over the plate for cooking.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of top-side view of an apparatus (10) for preparing flatbread in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “flatbread” is a bread made with flour, water, and salt, and then thoroughly rolled into flattened dough. In one embodiment, the flatbread is cooked with oil for the purpose of eating.
[0025] The compact apparatus (10) for preparing flatbread is a mechanical coupling of different systems or units, each fabricated to perform a particular function in preparation process. Such mechanical coupling is accomplished by supporting frames, holders and screw attachments. (Fig. 2 & Fig. 3)
[0026] The apparatus (10) includes a flour dispenser (20). The flour dispenser (20) is configured to hold a pre-determined quantity of flour. As used herein, the term “flour” refers to a powder made by grinding raw grains, roots, beans, nuts, or seeds. In operation, the pre-determined quantity of flour is poured over the flour dispenser (20), whereby the flour is dispensed to a kneader & extruder assembly (30). In one embodiment, the flour dispenser (20) act as a volumetric feeder.
[0027] The flour dispenser (20) is configured to dispense the flour via a first opening. Here, the dispensing is carried by a first set of blades. The first set of blades is operated by a first set of gears controlled by a first set of motors. In one embodiment, the set of blades comprises an agitator as well as a helical screw.
[0028] In one specific embodiment, the first set of gears uses gear train to provide maximum turning of blades. As used herein, the term “motor” refers to a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy by means of the forces exerted on a current-carrying coil placed in a magnetic field. In another specific embodiment, the first set of motors may be a set of universal motors.
[0029] Furthermore, in such embodiment, the helical screw is placed at the bottom of the dispenser enabling pushing the flour through the first opening. In another such embodiment, the agitator enables mixing of the flour before dispensing. The agitator is being attached in such a manner to cover the whole cross-sectional area of the flour dispenser (20).
[0030] The apparatus (10) also includes the kneader & extruder assembly (30). The is mechanically coupled to the flour dispenser (20). The kneader & extruder assembly (30) is configured to mix the pre-determined quantity of flour with water and oil. Here, in one embodiment, pre-decided amount of water or oil is being provided through an adjoining pipe. Here, the term “pipe” may be referred to small tubular structure to convey liquid or gases.
[0031] Here, in one embodiment, the kneaded dough is pushed through via the first opening for providing pre-configured shape. The kneader & extruder assembly (30) comprises c-slit with a pre-decided gap for extrusion process, to provide necessary thickness to the flatbread. The pre-decided gap is present in between layers of the above disclosed assembly. As used herein, the term “extrusion” is a process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile.
[0032] The kneader & extruder assembly (30) is fabricated with a second set of blades. In one specific embodiment, the second set of blades comprises an agitator as well as a helical screw. Here, the second set of second blades is operated by a second set of gears controlled by a second set of motors. In one specific embodiment, the second set of gears uses gear train to provide maximum turning of blades. In another specific embodiment, the second set of motors may be a set of universal motors.
[0033] Moreover, in another specific embodiment, the rotational movement of the second set of blades enables the functioning of the kneader & extruder assembly. In one specific embodiment, first rotation of the second set of blades enables kneading of the flour. In another specific embodiment, second rotation of the second set of blades enables dispensing of the kneaded flour. Here, the rotational speed is being controlled by the second set of motors.
[0034] The apparatus (10) also includes a rolling unit (40). The rolling unit (40) is mechanically coupled to the second opening. The rolling unit (40) is configured to collect and transfer the mixed dough.
[0035] In one specific embodiment, the rolling unit (40) is operated by a third set of motors. In another specific embodiment, the third set of motors may be a set of universal motors.
[0036] The apparatus (10) also includes a cutter mechanically coupled to the rolling unit (40). In operation, the cutter is coupled perpendicularly to a central axis of the rolling unit (40) and operated after every fixed interval of time for cutting a pre-defined amount of the flat dough. A pre-configured square shaped flatbread is prepared. Here, in one specific embodiment, the cutter is being used to cut the extruded dough to a specific length.
[0037] Furthermore, from the rolling unit (40) the shaped flatbread is rolled over a plate (50) by a flipper unit (60). The plate (50) is positioned below the rolling unit (40). The plate (50) is configured for holding and heating the pre-configured shaped dough. The plate (50) is heated and kept at a pre-defined temperature.
[0038] The flipper unit (60) is mechanically coupled to the rolling unit (40) through a linear actuator mechanism. The flipper unit (60) is configured to flip the pre-configured shaped dough over the plate for cooking. It is pertinent to note that, the flipping of the pre-configured shaped dough for a pre-defined number of times over the plate (50) enables preparing of an edible flatbread. The linear actuation mechanism enables easy horizontal and easy vertical movement of the flipper unit (60) by help of motors.
[0039] For aligning or orienting the flatbread over the heating plate (50), a plurality of thins beams are present on all three open sides of the surrounding the plate (50). Motor controlled plurality of thin beams align the flatbread over the plate at real time after flipping operation.
[0040] Furthermore, an additional pumping system is placed over the flipper unit (60). In one specific embodiment, the additional pumping system is manually controlled for spraying oil over the flatbread during cooking. In one embodiment, the system may be used ghee, butter and the like.
[0041] In one exemplary operation, specific amount of flour is poured over the flour dispenser (20). By the use of blades, flour is mixed and pushed through a first opening to the kneader & extruder assembly (30). Here, mixing or kneading operation is being accomplished by clockwise rotational movement of blades present in the kneader & extruder assembly (30). And further, the kneaded dough is pushed automatically by anti-clockwise movement of the attached blades. In such an embodiment, the agitator and the screw are run together to ensure uniform kneading or continuous extrusion. The kneader & extruder assembly (30) provides pre-configured thickness and shape.
[0042] Furthermore, a flat strip of dough is collected by the rolling unit (40) and cut by a cutter. The cutting at specific place provided a specific shaped dough, such as rectangle shape. A specific shaped dough is rolled to the heater plate (50) by the flipper unit (60). Here, the rolling unit (40) enables easy transferring of dough strip. For proper cooking, the specific shaped dough is flipped and heated both sides. In such exemplary embodiment, the used containers or flipper unit (60) is fabricated with food grade material.
[0043] Present disclosure of an apparatus for preparing flatbread is an automatic apparatus, enabling easy preparation of flatbread. The steps of preparation such as dispensing of ingredients, kneading of dough, flattening of the dough, and cooking of the dough are automatic, and also very quick. Each preparation system or unit is controlled by motors or gears, to avoid any manual interaction. Lastly, the additional pumping system provides additional input of oil, ghee and the like during cooking.
[0044] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0045] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.