Automated Seasoner Sub-System

Improving Takt-time

Started out by improving the seasoning storage dispensing mechanism by decreasing takt-time. This was achieved by converting the design to a gear-version, allowing for more than one discrete dispense per actuation. Nice Video showing the motion

Improving Dispense Chamber

Next, Improved the dispense chamber where all seasonings are combined for the ordered mixture. Improved by changing the chamber’s geometry by inducing an air-swirl within to scavenge the chamber of seasoning. Check out the prototype video here.

Testing Seasoning Dispensing onto the Burger

Next, investigated why the seasoning is “drifting” off the burger during dispensing. Set up a black backdrop, ran over 30 dispenses of black pepper and salt, but found very little drifting.

Then, started up the air handling system and found the air entrains the seasoning before it lands on the burger.

Improving Motor Reliability

Redesigned with more robust BLDC industrial motors for longer reliability over the previous hobby servo motors installed.

Testing the System at High Humidity Levels.

It was believed the summer high humidity was causing the dispense chamber to clog due to seasoning sticking within the system.

To verify this, I hooked up the subsystem in the test kitchen with a humidifier, all housed within a giant bag. Then, with an Arduino, tracked the internal humidity and temperature levels, programmed the device to operate thru the night, then sat back and waited. Found out the seasoner subsystem does NOT clog even at 99% humidity.

It was later discovered the clogging at the restaurant was due to a welding issue in the dispense tube.