Precision Measurement Dispenser for Granular Ingredients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring granular food ingredients by volume is imprecise due to settling and varying densities, leading to inconsistent weight measurements in recipes.
Innovation Solution
A storage dispensing unit that stores granular materials in airtight containers with a dispensing section that measures ingredients by weight, using a scale and controller to convert requested volumetric measures to equivalent weight measures, and optionally includes features like pressure control, temperature, and humidity control for enhanced shelf life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If granular ingredients are measured by volume using traditional measuring vessels, then the measuring process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to settling and varying densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical volume measurement system (measuring cups and spoons) with an electronic measurement system that uses a load cell sensor to measure ingredient weight directly. This substitution eliminates the precision problems associated with volume measurement while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control and display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from volume to weight. By measuring ingredients by weight instead of volume, the system achieves consistent and precise measurements regardless of ingredient settling or density variations. The controller converts the measured weight to volume equivalents for display, maintaining user familiarity while achieving precision.
2Reliability
If airtight storage containers are used to maintain ingredient freshness, then ingredient shelf life is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of pressure and sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container and dispensing mechanism into a single integrated unit. The airtight container serves dual purposes: long-term ingredient storage and controlled dispensing. This merging eliminates the need for separate storage and dispensing equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining freshness through the airtight seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides airtight sealing for freshness preservation, houses the ingredient storage, and includes an integrated dispensing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining reliability for ingredient preservation.
3Reliability
If multiple ingredients are stored in separate containers, then cross-contamination is prevented, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into separate compartments or containers for different ingredients, each with its own airtight seal and dispensing mechanism. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between ingredients while allowing the units to be stacked or arranged efficiently, optimizing storage space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where smaller ingredient containers can be stored within or alongside larger ones, or multiple containers are designed to stack vertically. This nesting approach maintains separation between ingredients to prevent cross-contamination while maximizing the use of vertical storage space and reducing the overall footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
A precision measurement dispenser provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a storage container that is preferably airtight. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section that is preferably positioned within the storage container. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient by gravity to a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control, temperature control, and/or humidity control on the storage container. The dispensing section uses screw, roll, vibration, or shuttle mechanisms for precise dispensing of material.