Successive Tare Scale for Automatic Ingredient Weight Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating and following 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 real-time feedback and customization options.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a scale and a client computing device that automatically determines the mass and weight of each ingredient added to a dish, allowing for real-time tracking, electronic storage, and customization of recipes based on actual ingredient quantities, with features like nutritional information calculation and social media sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual input is used for recipe creation and ingredient tracking, then users can create and follow electronic recipes, but the process requires significant time and effort for data entry and lacks automatic tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The scale automatically performs tare functions and tracks ingredient weights without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the recording of ingredient masses, calculation of remaining quantities, and updating of recipe progress, eliminating the need for manual data entry and timing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (writing down weights, calculating remaining ingredients, timing recipe steps) with an electronic system that uses a scale, processor, and display to automatically track and record all recipe-related measurements and progress.
2Measurement precision
If a scale is used to weigh ingredients, then accurate mass measurement is achieved, but the scale cannot distinguish between different ingredients and requires manual tare operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the recipe into individual ingredients, each with its own target weight. The scale automatically performs separate tare operations for each ingredient based on processor instructions, allowing precise measurement of each component without requiring the user to manually reset the scale between ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The display provides continuous feedback to the user showing the current weight of each ingredient, the target weight, and the remaining quantity needed. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust tare operations and tracking based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system tracks all ingredient weights automatically, then recipe accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases with multiple components and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The scale serves multiple functions: weighing ingredients, performing automatic tare operations, tracking cumulative weights, and communicating with the display. The processor handles recipe management, ingredient tracking, and calculation of remaining quantities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the scale, processor, and display into an integrated system where the scale communicates directly with the processor and display. This merging of components allows the system to function as a unified recipe tracking device rather than separate tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
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 and efficient tracking of ingredient weights, facilitates recipe customization, and provides nutritional insights, enhancing the cooking experience by automating the recipe creation and sharing process.
Implementation Method 1
The system may include a scale, a client computing device, external resources, and/or other components. The system may be configured to weigh individual ingredients of the dish as the ingredients are added to the dish.
Data Source
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.