Scannable Food Storage Containers with Digital Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food waste is significant due to lack of information and visibility regarding stored food items in refrigerators, leading to forgotten expiration dates and hidden contents, resulting in financial and ecological repercussions.
Innovation Solution
A system using containers with scannable codes (like QR codes) that can be recorded by a client device to access and maintain information on food items, including type, date, spoilage predictions, and reminders, allowing users to track and manage stored food effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If containers are placed behind other containers in the refrigerator, then storage space is utilized, but visibility of food contents is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a digital copy of food item information (name, type, storage date, expiration date) that is stored on a mobile device or computer. This digital copy allows users to access information about food items without needing to visually inspect the physical containers, thus resolving the contradiction between space utilization and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (mobile device or computer with database) that mediates between the physical containers and the user. This intermediary stores and provides information about food items, allowing users to retrieve details without directly observing the containers, thereby maintaining both storage efficiency and information accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If consumers do not track food storage dates, then storage simplicity is maintained, but food waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the system to automatically track and monitor food storage dates without requiring active user intervention. The database stores storage dates and expiration information, and the system can provide reminders or alerts automatically, reducing food waste while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through reminders, alerts, or notifications that inform users when food items are approaching expiration dates. This feedback loop helps consumers manage food storage effectively without adding significant complexity, as the system handles the tracking and communication of critical information automatically.
3Loss of substance
If detailed food tracking information is maintained, then food waste is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by storing simplified key information (name, storage date, expiration date) in a digital format on mobile devices or computers. This approach captures essential tracking data without requiring complex monitoring systems, achieving food waste reduction through manageable information storage rather than system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary information for effective food tracking (name, type, storage date, expiration date) and stores this minimal data set in the database. By taking out only the essential elements rather than capturing all possible food details, the system reduces food waste through adequate tracking while keeping the system complexity low.
Data Source
AI summary
An informative food storage system and method is presented herein. The system comprising a container with a scannable code and a client device configured to record the scannable code and to access or maintain a database comprising information associated with one or more scannable codes. The client device may be configured to create, edit, delete, and display information associated with each scannable code. The information may comprise a plurality of data on food stored in the container comprising the scannable code and on the container itself. The method may comprise storing food in a container comprising a scannable code. The scannable code may be recorded by an informative food storage system. Information associated with the scannable code may be displayed, edited, and maintained in a database with information on each scannable code stored in an account or refrigerator. Information from the database may be input, edited, and output by the system on a client device.