Cringey as it sounds…. While prototype design and watching videos on dumpling machines do provide us with valuable insight and direction in creating our very own dumpling machine. They can never fully prepare us for the hiccups and problems that arise along the way. It’s sad, but it’s true. Some minute details were overlooked […]
Author: LEONG ZI WEI
Know your limits!
Initially, our group was optimistic and challenged ourselves to recreate the entire industrial dumpling machine whilst having a customizable option, where the moulds could be replaced to make other foods such as wanton, xiao long baos etc. However, given the lack of time and budget, it was crucial for us to rescope our project to […]
Technical Development
Many of us were not familiar with motors and electrical wiring before the start of this module. Through this module, we were introduced to a plethora of motors, ranging from linear, stepper and servo to aid us in various parts of the dumpling machine. TRUST ME, IT TOOK UP HOURS READING THEM UP and A […]
Prototype: 3D Modelling in SPAIN without the S
On receiving feedback for our first presentation, we realized that we needed to wet our dumpling skin before it is loaded onto the machine so that the skin can stick together. Additionally, we need to add springs to our hinge to make it open automatically after opening. Currently, our team is focused on modelling the […]
Prototype: Block Diagram and Illustration
After watching following the video….. We realized that the dumpling-making process can be split into 6 steps, as depicted in the block diagram. Starting with the loading of the dumpling skin, it is then pressed down on the mould. The meat is then dispensed onto the skin in step 3. In step 4, […]
Prototype: Tony tells us its NOT feasible
After discussions with the lab manager, Mr Tony Gan, we realised that our idea is too complex for a group of engineering first-timers. We should have known… since those industrial machines costs $1000++. We also guessed they used pneumatic machines for its high speed… We would require too many motors and control systems to […]
Prototype: First Sketch
Initially, we wanted to automate the entire dumpling-making process, except for the ingredients preparation (making the skin and mincing the meat). After scouring Google and YouTube for existing dumpling machine designs, (heavily inspired by this video): We devised a rough plan for a 4-station dumpling maker Station 1: The skin will be launched […]
Initial Phase: Semi-automated Machine, Finally?
The idea to create a semi-automatic dumpling maker that balances efficiency, size and cost came to us quickly after abandoning our Xiao Long Bao dream. Realising that existing dumpling-making machines are usually big and expensive, our group decided to design a dumpling maker targeted at small businesses and households. Given the rich diversity of dumplings […]
Initial Phase: The Exquisite Xiao Long Bao
Going back to the drawing board, our team brainstormed for food processes which were not yet automated. Realising that the process of making Xiao Long Bao was not automated yet, we were quick to jump on this new idea. We searched up videos on making Xiao Long Bao and tried to imagine how that would […]
Initial Phase: Okonomiyaki
Initially, our group wanted to make an automatic okonomiyaki flipping machine (our group was originally called okoYESmiyaki). Kool right? When one side is well-cooked, the okonomiyaki would be flipped by rotating a cylindrical closed pan 180 degrees (like Happy Call pans but in a different shape). In case you don’t know how a Happy Call […]