Precision seasoner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for seasoning food items, such as french fries, often result in inconsistent seasoning due to the use of measuring spoons and cups, which fail to evenly distribute seasoning based on batch size, leading to consumer complaints of over- or under-seasoning.
Innovation Solution
A seasoning apparatus comprising a hopper, actuatable dispensing elements like slide plungers, and a seasoning spreader that allows for precise and even distribution of seasoning, with adjustable compartments and a controller that uses a weighing device to dispense the correct amount based on food weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If measuring spoons and cups are used to dispense seasoning, then the seasoning can be applied to food items, but the seasoning distribution becomes inconsistent and uneven across different batch sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a adjustable dispensing mechanism where the hopper height can be modified to accommodate different batch sizes of food items. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to adapt to varying quantities of food while maintaining consistent seasoning distribution through controlled dispensing geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the dispensing system, specifically the hopper height and dispensing aperture configuration, to optimize seasoning distribution for different batch sizes. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains precision across varying food quantities without requiring multiple specialized tools.
2Device complexity
If the same seasoning dispenser is used for varying batch sizes, then the device structure remains simple, but the seasoning amount becomes inaccurate for different batch sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal seasoning dispenser that can handle multiple batch sizes through adjustable components. The single device performs multiple functions by allowing users to modify hopper height and dispensing settings, eliminating the need for separate measuring spoons, cups, or specialized dispensers for different quantities while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-calibrated dispensing mechanisms and adjustable settings that are configured before use. Users can pre-set the hopper height and dispensing parameters according to the expected batch size, ensuring accurate seasoning amounts are achieved through preliminary configuration rather than trial and error during the actual dispensing process.
3Device complexity
If measuring spoons and cups are used to dispense seasoning, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but the seasoning is dumped all at once rather than evenly dispersed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seasoning dispensing process by incorporating a hopper system that controls the flow of seasoning through regulated apertures. This segmentation allows seasoning to be dispensed in controlled portions rather than all at once, improving dispersion evenness while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of a segmented hopper and aperture system.
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
Ensures consistent and accurate seasoning of food items regardless of batch size, enhancing customer satisfaction by providing the right amount of seasoning every time.
Implementation Method 1
The food-holding container may include or be coupled with a weighing device for weighing food in the food-holding container
Implementation Method 2
The seasoning spreader may include an impeller and/or a diffuser positioned below the actuatable dispensing element for spinning and/or gravity-spreading seasoning dropped thereon from the hopper
Implementation Method 3
The seasoning spreader may include an impeller and/or a diffuser positioned below the actuatable dispensing element for spinning and/or gravity-spreading seasoning dropped thereon from the hopper
Data Source
AI summary
A seasoning apparatus and method for evenly and consistently seasoning french fries or other food. The seasoning apparatus may include a hollow hopper for holding and selectively dispensing seasoning therefrom and a plurality of actuatable dispensing elements each translatably attached to the hopper and each having a holding compartment formed therein. The actuatable dispensing elements may receive seasoning in the holding compartment from the hopper. When translated to a dispensing position, the dispensing elements may dispense seasoning from the holding compartment. The seasoning apparatus may also include a seasoning spreader for spreading seasoning dispensed from the actuatable dispensing elements and a food-holding container fixed a distance below the hopper and seasoning spreader. The food-holding container may have a weighing device coupled with a controller for determining an amount of seasoning to dispense from the hopper and actuating the actuatable dispensing elements accordingly.