Device for dosing and/or mixing pourable food products, in particular spices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dosing and mixing pourable foods, particularly spices, struggle with precise control over the proportions of individual spices in mixtures and often require complex motor-driven systems that cannot be operated manually.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with storage, dosing, and mixing units connected by movable elements, allowing for controlled flow of pourable foodstuffs between containers via gravity, enabling precise mixing and manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a motor-driven dosing system is used to achieve precise spice dosing, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manual operation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate storage containers and dosing containers that can be independently filled and dosed. Each container type performs a specific function (storage vs. dosing), allowing the system to achieve precise dosing through simple geometric design rather than complex motorized mechanisms. The segmentation of functions enables manual operation while maintaining dosing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing containers are designed as simple, replaceable components with fixed dosing volumes determined by their geometry. Rather than using expensive, complex motorized dosing mechanisms, the patent employs simple containers that can be manually filled and emptied, achieving precise dosing through their inherent volume constraints. This approach prioritizes simplicity and manual operability over automated precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage containers are used to store different spices, then versatility is improved, but the ability to achieve precise proportions of individual spices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple storage containers, each dedicated to a specific spice, with corresponding dosing containers for each spice type. This segmented approach allows versatile storage of different spices while maintaining precise proportion control through the geometric design of individual dosing containers. Each spice pathway is independent, enabling accurate dosing of multiple spices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each storage-dosing container pair is designed with specific local characteristics (opening sizes, container volumes, geometries) optimized for that particular spice and desired dosage. This local customization allows the system to handle diverse spices with different properties while maintaining precise dosing for each individual spice type through tailored container designs.
3Ease of operation
If storage containers are detachably connected to allow quick container replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates movable closing elements that can be dynamically adjusted to open or close passages between storage and dosing containers. This dynamic connection system allows users to easily replace containers while maintaining reliable sealing when containers are properly connected. The movable elements provide both ease of operation for replacement and reliability during use through secure engagement.
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
Facilitates the production of spice mixtures with varying proportions in a simple and precise manner, while being handheld and manually operable.
Implementation Method 1
the dosing unit and storage unit are connected in such a way that free-flowing foodstuffs can flow from the storage unit to the dosing unit, preferably by gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for dispensing and/or mixing free-flowing foodstuffs, in particular spices, comprising: a) a storage unit (1) comprising two or more storage containers (2a, 2b); b) a dispensing unit (3) comprising one or more dispensing containers (4a, 4b); c) a first connecting device (5) which enables an optionally open or closed connection between the storage unit and the dispensing unit; d) a mixing unit (7) comprising at least one mixing container (10); e) a second connecting device which enables an optionally open or closed connection between the dispensing unit (5) and the mixing unit (3) so that a free-flowing foodstuff can pass from the one or more dispensing containers (4a, 4b) into at least one mixing container (10) of the mixing unit (7).