Sifter scale attachment for stand mixer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices lack an integrated solution for efficiently weighing and sifting food products directly into a mixing bowl while ensuring accurate weight measurement and easy operation.
Innovation Solution
A combination sifter and scale assembly that includes a sifter unit with a housing and a scale assembly with an annular weight-sensing unit, allowing for the attachment to a stand mixer, enabling simultaneous weighing and sifting of ingredients with a hopper and output chute for directed ingredient flow into the mixing bowl.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sifter attachment is used for a stand mixer, then sifting function is added, but weight measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a sifter mechanism and a scale into a single integrated attachment unit that mounts on a stand mixer. The sifter basket, scale pan, and weight sensor are merged into one assembly, allowing simultaneous sifting and weighing operations without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment unit serves multiple functions: it sifts ingredients through the basket, weighs them using the integrated scale, and directs the sifted material into the mixer bowl. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sifter and scale devices.
2Productivity
If ingredients are sifted directly into the mixing bowl, then processing time is reduced, but accurate weight measurement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The scale measures the weight of ingredients in the scale pan before they are released into the mixing bowl. This preliminary measurement allows the user to verify the correct amount of ingredient is added without interrupting the overall mixing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale pan acts as an intermediary container between the ingredient source and the mixing bowl. Ingredients are weighed in the scale pan first, then transferred through the sifter basket into the bowl, allowing measurement to occur without direct dumping.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for weighing and sifting, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sifter mechanism and scale into a single integrated attachment unit with common mounting interface, housing, and control systems, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining both weighing and sifting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sifter basket is positioned within the scale assembly, with the scale pan forming an outer structure that contains the sifter mechanism. This nested arrangement allows both components to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing overall complexity.
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
Enables accurate weighing and efficient sifting of ingredients directly into a mixing bowl, improving food processing efficiency by integrating weight measurement and sifting functions within a single device.
Implementation Method 1
a scale assembly having a body defining an upper opening and an opposite lower opening and having an annular weight-sensing unit surrounding the upper opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A food-product handling device (2) includes a sifter unit (4) having housing (46) defining an open upper side (48), a mount (6) extending outwardly from the first housing (46) along a first axis, and a lower side (50) opposite the upper side. A sifter basket (20) has an interior (54) and is aligned with and inset within the open upper side. The device (2) further includes a scale assembly (10) having a body (56) defining an upper opening (58) and an opposite lower opening (60) and having an annular weight-sensing unit (14) surrounding the upper opening. The body (56) is positionable on the housing (46) of the sifter unit (4) with the opening in communication with the open upper side of the housing (46). A hopper (12) is positionable on the weight-sensing unit (14).