Food Portion Control Device with Independent Movable Compartment Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food portion control devices have fixed compartment volumes, which cannot be adjusted independently, making them unsuitable for individuals with different builds and limiting portion combinations, and often require additional utensils and complex caloric calculations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hollow body and radial walls, featuring a vertical movable wall in each compartment that can pivot about a central axis, allowing each compartment's volume to be set independently, along with indicators for volume levels and a sliding locking mechanism, enabling precise portion control without soiling additional utensils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed volume compartments are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different body types and dietary needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed compartment walls with movable walls that can be adjusted to different positions. Each compartment is equipped with a movable wall that can slide along the central axis and be locked at various heights, allowing the compartment volume to be dynamically changed according to individual dietary needs and body types, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each compartment into multiple adjustable sections using movable walls. This allows independent adjustment of each compartment's volume, enabling customized portion control for different food types and individual requirements, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotary means with radial walls are used to vary compartment volumes, then the device can adapt to different portions, but the compartments cannot be set independently and combinations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing each compartment with its own independent movable wall that can be adjusted separately. This allows each compartment's volume to be set independently without affecting others, enabling a wide variety of portion combinations while maintaining ease of operation through simple individual adjustments rather than complex rotary mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rigid rotary mechanism with independent movable walls that can be freely positioned and locked. This dynamic design allows flexible, independent adjustment of each compartment, greatly expanding possible portion combinations while simplifying operation compared to coordinated rotary movements.
3Measurement precision
If conventional weighing solutions are used, then accurate food portions can be achieved, but additional utensils are required and food waste may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the portion measurement function directly into the dining device itself. The movable walls with volume indicators integrate the measurement capability into the compartmentalized tray, eliminating the need for separate weighing utensils and reducing the number of tools required, while maintaining accurate portion control through visual volume references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling users to directly portion their food using the device's built-in volume indicators and movable walls. Users can visually assess and adjust portions without needing external measuring tools, making the portioning process self-contained and reducing food waste through precise visual estimation.
4Loss of information
If dietary scales with caloric calculations are used, then nutritional tracking is improved, but the solution becomes complex and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by extracting the complex caloric calculation system from the device and replacing it with simple volume indicators. The movable walls feature markings that indicate volume levels, allowing users to track portions visually without requiring complex computational systems, thereby maintaining nutritional information tracking while greatly simplifying the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by shifting from tracking complex caloric data to tracking simpler volume parameters. The volume indicators on movable walls provide a straightforward visual parameter for portion control, replacing the need for complex caloric calculations while still enabling effective nutritional monitoring through volume-based portion assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling food portions, including a hollow body defining a useful volume, vertical walls dividing the useful volume into at least two compartments, and a central axis from which the walls extend radially, the device including a vertical movable wall in at least one compartment, able to pivot about the axis so as to vary a volume of use of the compartment alone.