Layered Taco Filling Template for Single-Bite Flavor Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional taco manufacturing methods result in ingredients being stacked horizontally, making it difficult for individuals to evenly experience all flavors in a single bite, as people typically bite transversely across the taco shell, requiring multiple bites and leading to an unmannnerly eating experience with excessive food in the mouth.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a template with a concave recess and support shelf to layer filling ingredients parallel to each other within the taco shell, allowing for even distribution of flavors across bites, where the template guides the taco shell and support shelf are used to position and release the ingredients inside the shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ingredients are stacked horizontally in traditional taco manufacturing, then the taco shell can be filled with multiple ingredients, but individuals cannot evenly experience all flavors in a single bite
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal stacking (one-dimensional arrangement) to vertical layering (multi-dimensional arrangement). Ingredients are layered vertically from bottom to top within the taco shell, creating horizontal planes that extend across the shell. This dimensional change ensures that a single transverse bite captures all layered ingredients simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between accommodating multiple ingredients and enabling even flavor distribution in one bite.
2Ease of manufacture
If ingredients are stacked horizontally from closed end to open end, then the taco shell can accommodate filling ingredients, but requires multiple bites to experience all flavors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a template with a support shelf that pre-positions ingredients in their final layered locations before the taco shell is assembled. The support shelf holds ingredients in place during assembly, ensuring proper vertical arrangement. This preliminary action simplifies the filling process while ensuring that all ingredients are positioned correctly for immediate flavor distribution in a single bite, eliminating the need for multiple bites.
3Ease of operation
If ingredients are layered vertically in parallel planes, then all flavors can be tasted in a single bite, but requires a template apparatus for preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The template with its support shelf acts as an intermediary tool that facilitates the vertical layering process. The support shelf provides a stable platform for positioning ingredients in parallel planes, while the template structure guides the assembly process. This intermediary apparatus simplifies the complex task of precise vertical layering, making it accessible for home use while achieving the desired single-bite flavor distribution.
4Productivity
If ingredients are placed in traditional horizontal stacks, then the taco shell can be filled efficiently, but results in too much food in the mouth of the average person
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from horizontal stacking to vertical layering, the patent optimizes space utilization within the taco shell. Multiple ingredients are arranged in vertical planes that extend across the shell, allowing efficient use of available space while distributing food quantity more appropriately for a single bite. This dimensional rearrangement maintains filling efficiency while reducing the amount of food that ends up in the mouth during consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for filling an edible shell, in particular, a taco shell is achieved by gathering a first filling ingredient for a taco and layering the first filling ingredient along a first plane, gathering a second filling ingredient for a taco and layering the second filling ingredient along a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, and inserting the layered first and second filling ingredients within a taco shell. A template for the preparation of a layered taco is also provided. The template includes a guide member having a concave recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving the open end of a taco shell, the concave recess being defined by a facing wall in the generally shape of the open end of the taco shell. The template also includes a support shelf transversely positioned within the concave recess. At least one filling ingredient is placed upon the support shelf, the taco shell is slid within the concave section with the filling ingredient between the first and second shell walls and the support shelf is withdrawn such that the filling ingredient is released to lie within the taco shell.