Quark and Herb Spread with Segmented Compartment Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dairy spread products that combine quark and vegetable/herb preparations either require separate application, mix in the container, or result in undesirable color changes and aesthetic issues when using larger quantities of vegetables/herbs, failing to meet consumer expectations for convenience and sensory experience.
Innovation Solution
A spreadable preparation containing quark and vegetable/herb components, where the components are formulated to maintain separation and are filled in a container to form contiguous volumes, either in layers or as strands, ensuring they do not mix and allowing for a higher quantity of herbs to be added without discoloring the quark, using specific starter cultures and processing methods to achieve desired viscosity and taste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quark with vegetable/herb topping is provided as a mixed product, then convenience is improved (single product application), but aesthetic requirements and taste requirements are not met (undesirable mixing, loss of separate component perception)
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate compartments that physically separate the quark and vegetable/herb preparation. Each compartment has its own opening, allowing the components to be applied separately to the bread while coming from a single container, thus maintaining both convenience and component separation.
2Quantity of substance
If a larger amount of vegetable and/or herb preparation is added to the quark, then the product becomes more flavorful and visually appealing, but the curd mass becomes discolored (greenish color associated with spoiled food)
Solution Approach 1:
The vegetable/herb preparation is extracted from the quark compartment into a separate compartment. This allows larger quantities of vegetables or herbs to be used without direct contact with the quark, thereby preventing the greenish discoloration that would otherwise occur when large amounts are mixed with or topped on the curd.
3Stability of the object's composition
If two separate products are used for quark and vegetable/herb preparation, then component separation is maintained, but device complexity increases (requiring two dosing aids)
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate dosing functions are merged into a single container unit. The container provides two separate openings that can each be dosed with a single spoon or knife, eliminating the need for two separate dosing aids while maintaining component separation throughout storage and application.
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 solution allows for a convenient, aesthetically pleasing, and flavorful product where both components remain separate, maintaining their sensory properties and allowing for a larger amount of herbs to be added without color change, enhancing consumer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the mixture thus obtained to a temperature treatment, until denaturation occurs
Implementation Method 2
the denatured product is mixed with starter cultures and rennet and if necessary (a4) the quark base obtained after the fermentation has been completed
Data Source
AI summary
A spreadable food preparation is proposed, comprising (a) a cream cheese component and (b) a vegetable or herb preparation, wherein the components (a) and (b) are arranged side by side in a container such that they occupy contiguous volumes in the three spatial directions which do not mix.