Connected Food Prep Scale for Guided Ingredient Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food preparation appliances often have difficulty in accurately measuring ingredients due to hard-to-read markings on containers, and their displays provide limited information, making it challenging for users to add the correct amounts, especially when multiple ingredients are involved.
Innovation Solution
A food preparation appliance equipped with a weight sensor and communication component that transmits weight data to a remote communication device, allowing for real-time guidance on ingredient quantities and operation status, enabling accurate measurement and streamlined recipe execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement markings are provided on containers, then ingredient measurement capability is improved, but readability and ease of use deteriorates due to difficulty in seeing and reading markings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the measurement display from a two-dimensional physical marking on the container to a digital display that can be viewed from a distance. The electronic display presents measurement information in a different dimensional space (remote viewing vs. close-up reading), solving the readability problem while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic display system that mediates between the weight sensor and the user. Instead of directly reading physical markings on the container, the user views measurement information through the electronic display, which acts as an intermediary presenting the data in a more readable format at a distance.
2Loss of information
If traditional displays are used in the appliance, then local information provision is achieved, but information accessibility deteriorates because users must be close to the appliance to read the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a remote communication dimension to the information provision system. The electronic display can present information both locally on the appliance and remotely through connected devices, creating a new dimensional space for information accessibility that allows users to view data from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces remote communication devices as intermediaries that relay information from the appliance to the user. These devices act as mediators, receiving data from the appliance's sensors and presenting it in an accessible format, thereby extending information accessibility beyond the immediate vicinity of the appliance.
3Measurement precision
If separate measurement devices are used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation worsens due to the need for multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement device (weight sensor) with the food preparation appliance, combining functions that were previously separate. The weight sensor is integrated into the appliance's base, eliminating the need for standalone measurement devices while maintaining measurement accuracy through the unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the food preparation appliance multi-functional by integrating measurement capabilities directly into it. The appliance now serves both as a food preparation device and as a measurement device, reducing the need for separate specialized tools and simplifying the overall system.
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
The solution enables users to accurately measure ingredients and receive interactive recipe instructions on a remote device, reducing errors and enhancing the cooking experience by providing clear, real-time feedback on weight and operation status.
Implementation Method 1
The weight sensor is coupled to the adaptor and configured to detect a weight applied to the adaptor
Data Source
AI summary
One example food preparation appliance includes a base having a motor and an adaptor, a weight sensor coupled to the adaptor, and a communication component. The adaptor is configured to support a food preparation accessory. The weight sensor is configured to detect a weight applied to the adaptor. The communication component is configured to transmit data associated with a weight detected by the weight sensor. An example remote communication device includes a display device, a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor. The remote communication device is configured to display a first instruction on the display device, the first instruction including a first target weight of a first substance; receive a measurement from a food preparation appliance indicative of a weight applied to an adaptor of the food preparation appliance; and display a second instruction when the weight is substantially equal to the first target weight.