Chopping board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chopping boards do not efficiently facilitate the determination of foodstuff parameters, such as quality and weight, disrupting kitchen workflows due to the need for separate scales and optical measuring equipment.
Innovation Solution
A chopping board with a detachable upper part featuring an optical element for near-infrared radiation detection, integrated force sensors for weighing, and a data processing system that allows for quality assessment and storage of data, eliminating the need for separate scales and improving workflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate scales and optical measuring equipment are used to determine foodstuff parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and workflow disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (optical detection for quality/freshness, force sensing for weight measurement) into a single chopping board device. The optical sensor and force sensor are integrated into the board structure, allowing simultaneous quality and weight determination without requiring separate scales or measuring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The chopping board is designed to perform multiple functions: cutting surface for food preparation, optical sensing for quality determination, force sensing for weight measurement, and data processing for result display. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices in the kitchen.
2Measurement precision
If separate scales are used for weighing ingredients, then weight measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity and workflow efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is integrated directly into the chopping board structure, allowing weight measurement to occur simultaneously with food preparation activities. The measurement function is merged with the cutting surface, eliminating the need to move ingredients to separate weighing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The chopping board automatically performs weight measurement and quality assessment without requiring separate manual operations. The device self-measures the foodstuff placed on it and provides immediate feedback through the data processing system, streamlining the workflow.
3Measurement precision
If optical measuring methods are used for foodstuff quality determination, then quality assessment capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to workflow disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is integrated into the chopping board, allowing quality determination to occur in-situ during normal food handling. The measurement function is combined with the cutting surface, enabling quality assessment without moving food to separate testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement capability is prepared in advance within the chopping board structure, allowing immediate quality assessment when food is placed on the board. The system is pre-configured to detect quality parameters without requiring additional setup or separate measurement procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple determination of foodstuff quality and weight directly on the chopping board, enhancing kitchen workflow efficiency and hygiene by integrating measurement and weighing functions into a single device.
Implementation Method 1
the upper part comprises at least one optical element, by means of which electromagnetic radiation emitted and/or reflected by the foodstuff to be chopped, in particular electromagnetic radiation in the near-infrared range, can be propagated through the upper part
Implementation Method 2
at least one radiation sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation, more particularly an interferometer, is arranged in a sensor area of the base assigned to the optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A chopping board for foodstuffs has a base and an upper part which can be arranged detachably on the base. A cutting surface on which foodstuff to be chopped can be arranged and cut is formed on an upper-part upper side. The upper part has connecting elements, by which the upper part is located on the base. The base of the chopping board has at least one bearing surface by which the chopping board sits on a supporting surface. The upper part has an optical element, by which electromagnetic radiation emitted and/or reflected by the cut foodstuff, in particular near-IR light, is propagated. At least one radiation sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation, more particularly an interferometer, is arranged in a sensor area of the base assigned to the optical element, by which sensor the electromagnetic radiation is detected, so that characteristics of the foodstuff to be chopped can be determined.