Portion-Control Plate and Nesting Spoons for Mindful Eating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of place-setting components in the U.S. contributes to excessive food consumption, leading to high obesity and health issues, as Americans tend to fill larger plates, resulting in overeating and related health and economic problems.
Innovation Solution
A system of place-setting components, including a plate with a rim section and well section, and a nestable set of serving spoons, designed to facilitate serving and eating healthy portions, with specific serving areas and spoon configurations that visually and psychologically satisfy users, encouraging them to consume appropriate amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If larger place-setting components are used, then food serving capacity is improved, but food consumption control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple well sections, each designed to hold a specific portion size of different food types. This segmentation allows the plate to provide appropriate portion control for each food category while maintaining overall serving capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different well sections have different sizes and shapes optimized for specific food types (e.g., larger sections for staples, smaller for vegetables). This local differentiation ensures each food category receives appropriate portion control while the overall plate maintains sufficient capacity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If smaller portion sizes are served, then health outcomes are improved, but user satisfaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple well sections, each designed to hold a specific portion size of different food types. This segmentation allows the plate to provide appropriate portion control for each food category while maintaining overall serving capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design changes the visual parameters by creating distinct compartments that make appropriate portions appear more substantial. The well sections are designed to visually present food in an appealing manner, making smaller portions appear satisfying.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of place-setting components used to facilitate serving and eating healthy food portions. The place-setting system comprising: a plate and a nestable set of two or more serving spoons. The plate includes one or more serving areas corresponding to a portion size for one or more food components of a meal. Each of the serving spoons in the nestable set includes a bowl-shaped cup and a handle. The handle of the serving spoons comprising: a first segment, extending distally from the proximal end of the handle, with a portion of a distal-most section of the first segment extending upward; a second segment connected to the first segment, with the second segment extending downward; a third segment connected to the second segment, with the third segment extending generally upward; and a fourth segment connected to the third segment, with the fourth segment extending generally distally.