Portable foodstuff container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring foodstuffs during cooking are cumbersome, often requiring multiple devices and leading to inaccuracies, especially when handling multiple ingredients simultaneously, resulting in increased mess and cleaning burdens.
Innovation Solution
A portable foodstuff container equipped with a reservoir, dispenser, pump, and controller that allows for precise dispensing of user-selected amounts, incorporating features like flow meters, level sensors, and gyroscopes to ensure accurate and efficient dispensing, while minimizing the number of items needed for measurement and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual measurement devices (measuring cups, spoons) are used to measure foodstuffs, then the measurement process can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and inaccurate when managing multiple tasks simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container and measurement dispensing system into a single integrated unit. The container includes a reservoir for storing foodstuffs and a pump system that automatically dispenses precise measurements when activated, eliminating the need for separate measuring devices and manual measurement steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic measurement and dispensing through the pump and controller, which calculate and deliver the required amount of foodstuff based on user input or recipe data, reducing manual intervention and improving both ease of operation and measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring devices are used for different foodstuffs, then various measurement needs are met, but the number of items to clean and manage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is designed to handle multiple types of foodstuffs (liquids, oils, sauces, dry ingredients) through a single multi-functional device. The pump system can adjust its operation to accommodate different viscosities and types of ingredients, providing universal measurement capability without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges storage and measurement functions into one device, and further combines multiple measurement capabilities into a single system that can handle various ingredient types, thereby reducing the total number of items needed in the kitchen.
3Productivity
If manual measurement is performed while managing multiple cooking tasks, then cooking progresses, but measurement inaccuracies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system automatically performs the measurement function based on pre-programmed recipe quantities or user-selected amounts, eliminating the need for manual measurement attention. This allows the cook to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while the system ensures accurate dispensing of each ingredient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes sensors and flow meters that monitor the dispensing process in real-time, providing feedback to the controller to ensure the precise amount is delivered. This automated feedback loop guarantees measurement accuracy regardless of the cook's attention or multitasking level.
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 portable container simplifies the measurement process, reduces inaccuracies, and minimizes mess and cleaning by enabling controlled dispensing of foodstuffs, enhancing user convenience and efficiency in cooking.
Implementation Method 1
a pump disposed within the body and configured to convey the foodstuff from the reservoir to the dispenser when activated
Implementation Method 2
a flow meter disposed in the body and configured to measure an amount of foodstuff conveyed by the pump
Implementation Method 3
a level sensor in the body and coupled to the controller to sense an amount of the foodstuff remaining in the reservoir
Implementation Method 4
the body further includes a gyroscope, where the controller is coupled to the gyroscope
Data Source
AI summary
A portable foodstuff container and method of dispensing foodstuff from the portable container are disclosed herein. Such a portable foodstuff may include a portable body with a reservoir configured to contain a foodstuff and a dispenser configured to dispense the foodstuff contained in the reservoir, a pump disposed within the body and configured to convey the foodstuff from the reservoir to the dispenser when activated to dispense the foodstuff through the dispenser, and a controller disposed in the body and coupled to the pump. The controller may be configured to activate the pump to dispense a user-selected amount of foodstuff from the dispenser.