Compact Popcorn Flavoring Apparatus with Removable Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for flavoring popcorn are large and suited for mass production, making them impractical for retail-sized batches and lacking flexibility in flavor options.
Innovation Solution
A compact food product flavoring apparatus that uses a removable container, an agitation device to introduce airflow, and a flavoring device to apply flavoring agents, allowing for variable flavoring of retail-sized batches of popcorn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large mechanical units are used for mass production, then uniform flavoring can be achieved, but the device becomes impractical for retail-sized batches and lacks flexibility in flavor options
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a flavoring application device, a removable container for holding food products, and an agitation device. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled down from industrial to retail sizes while maintaining the core flavoring function, and enables different container sizes to be used with the same flavoring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing users to switch between different container sizes and flavors. The agitation device can be activated independently to create airflow patterns that adapt to different food product volumes, providing flexibility for retail-sized batches while maintaining uniform flavor distribution.
2Loss of substance
If large mechanical units are used for mass production, then continuous production is possible, but waste increases due to inability to produce retail-sized batches
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the flavoring application device from the container allows the container to be removed and replaced with different sizes. Users can select containers that match their specific retail needs, producing only the required amount and minimizing waste from overproduction or unsellable bulk quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the volume parameter of the container to match different production needs. By adjusting the container size parameter rather than changing the entire production system, the device enables precise control over batch sizes, allowing users to produce exactly the retail amount needed and reduce waste.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical agitation is used for continuous production, then uniform flavoring is achieved, but the device is not suitable for variable flavoring of retail-sized batches
Solution Approach 1:
The flavoring application device is separated from the container, allowing the same agitation mechanism to work with different containers holding different flavors. This modular design enables uniform flavoring through mechanical agitation while maintaining the ability to switch between variable flavor options by simply changing the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitation device and flavoring application mechanism are designed to be universal, working with multiple types of containers and flavor combinations. The same mechanical agitation system can provide uniform flavoring distribution across different food products and flavor types, while the removable container system enables variable flavoring capabilities.
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 flexible and efficient flavoring of retail-sized popcorn batches, reducing waste by allowing for customized flavor options without the need for large-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
an agitation device supported by the support structure, the agitation device being configured to introduce an airflow into the removable container to agitate the flavor target
Implementation Method 2
a flavoring device supported by the support structure, the flavoring device being configured to apply a flavoring agent to the flavor target
Data Source
AI summary
A food product flavoring apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a removable container configured to contain a flavor target, a means for agitating the flavor target, and a housing. The housing is configured to receive the agitated flavor target when the removable container is adjacent the housing such that the container opening is aligned with the housing opening. The apparatus further includes a means for applying a flavoring agent to the agitated flavor target a means for removing substantially all residual flavoring agent from the housing after the flavor target has been flavored. A method of applying a flavoring agent to a flavor target is also provided.