Food preparation system and method using a scale that allows and stores modifications to recipes based on a measured change to one of its ingredients

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for generating and displaying electronic recipes lack the ability to automatically determine and track the masses or weights of individual ingredients during food preparation, requiring manual input and lacking integration with kitchen environments.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a scale and a client computing device that automatically determines the mass or weight of each ingredient by subtracting previous weights from the total weight as ingredients are added, allowing for electronic storage and sharing of recipes, including nutritional information, and customizable based on actual ingredient quantities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual input is used for recipe creation and ingredient tracking, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to time-consuming manual entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecipe creation speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scale automatically detects when ingredients are placed on it and performs self-taring, eliminating the need for manual input. The system records ingredient weights automatically and updates the recipe database without user intervention, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (typing, button pressing) with automatic electronic sensing through the scale. The weight measurement function is substituted from manual entry to automatic detection, and the system uses electronic communication between the scale and computing device to transfer data without physical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automatic weight tracking is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of scale and computing device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingredient weight measurementVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scale and computing device into a unified system where the scale provides weight data and the computing device processes and stores it. The user interface combines elements from both devices, allowing control and monitoring in one integrated system that reduces the perceived complexity despite the advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a user interface for selecting recipes, processes weight data from the scale, stores recipe information in a database, and provides feedback to the user. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into one universal system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the system prompts users to cease adding ingredients, then manufacturing precision is improved by ensuring exact ingredient amounts, but ease of operation deteriorates due to interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingredient quantity accuracyVSAvoidpreparation process continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors ingredient weights and provides real-time feedback to the user through prompts when target amounts are reached. This feedback loop allows users to maintain precision without needing to constantly check measurements manually, as the system automatically detects and communicates the status of ingredient addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If electronic recipe storage and sharing is enabled, then adaptability is improved for future use and sharing, but loss of information increases due to potential data entry errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecipe storage and sharing capabilityVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically recording and storing ingredient weights and recipe information as they are created, eliminating the need for subsequent manual data entry. The recipe database is populated in real-time during food preparation, ensuring data accuracy is maintained from the source rather than being transcribed later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10441112B1Food preparation system and method using a scale that allows and stores modifications to recipes based on a measured change to one of its ingredients

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 VITA MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a system configured to determine masses, weights, and/or other quantities of individual ingredients added to a food dish during preparation. At least some of the components of the system may be configured to be used in a food preparation area. The system may include a scale, a client computing device, external resources, and/or other components. The system may be configured to weigh and/or determine the mass of individual ingredients of the dish as the ingredients are added to the dish. The system may be configured to determine the individual mass and/or weight of each ingredient based on the masses and/or weights of individual ingredients previously added to the dish and/or a current mass and/or weight of the dish as a given ingredient is added.