Adjustable recording herb and spice shaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Culinary measuring tools often require additional steps and calculations, leading to cumbersome processes and inconsistencies in measuring herbs or spices, which may result in errors and lack of repeatability in recipes.
Innovation Solution
A shaker device with a storage body, lid, and measurement system that allows for precise measurement and dispensing of materials without additional steps, featuring a bidirectional storage body, a perforated lid for controlled dispensing, and a scale for accurate measurement, enabling users to measure and dispense materials efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measuring cups and spoons are used to measure predetermined amounts of herbs or spices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple utensils and additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measuring functions into a single shaker device. The shaker includes a storage body with graduated markings that indicate different measurement levels (e.g., 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp), allowing users to measure various amounts using one tool instead of multiple measuring cups and spoons. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaker device serves multiple functions: it stores herbs or spices, measures predetermined amounts through graduated markings, and dispenses the measured amount through shaking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measuring tools, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measuring cups and spoons are used to measure predetermined amounts of herbs or spices, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring additional steps and calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker device merges storage, measurement, and dispensing functions into one tool. The graduated markings on the storage body allow users to see measurement levels directly, and the shaking mechanism automatically dispenses the measured amount, eliminating the need for separate measuring steps and calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaker device is designed to be self-sufficient. The user simply fills the shaker to the desired measurement marking, and the device itself performs the dispensing function through shaking. This self-service design eliminates the need for additional steps such as transferring ingredients to separate measuring tools or performing calculations.
3Ease of operation
If eyeballing technique is used to season food by sight or taste, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate resulting in errors and lack of repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker device combines the simplicity of a single-action shaking mechanism with precise graduated markings. Users can easily operate the device by shaking, while the markings ensure precise measurement of herbs or spices, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The graduated markings on the storage body provide visual feedback to the user during the filling process. Users can see when the desired measurement level is reached, ensuring accurate measurement while maintaining the simplicity of the shaking dispensing mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If multiple measuring utensils are used to measure predetermined amounts, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to requiring additional steps and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker device merges storage, measurement, and dispensing into one tool with graduated markings. Users can measure and dispense in a single continuous action without switching between multiple utensils, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaker device enables continuous operation: the user fills the shaker to the desired marking and immediately shakes to dispense. This continuous workflow eliminates the interruptions and time loss associated with using multiple separate measuring tools that require transferring and cleaning between steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaker device includes a storage body, a lid, and a measurement system. The storage body also includes an opening and a hollow area. The storage body is configured to retain and selectively dispense an amount of a material disposed in the shaker device. The opening is disposed on a terminal end of the storage body. The lid is selectively disposed over the opening. The measurement system is configured to identify an amount of the material within the shaker device.