System, method, and apparatus for mixing, blending, dispensing, monitoring, and labeling products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in accurately determining the calorie and sugar content of food and beverage products, especially when consuming customized blends or from opaque containers, as existing methods do not provide real-time or clear nutrition information at the point of consumption.
Innovation Solution
A container with visual indicators and a system that includes a dispenser and printer to display calorie and ingredient attribute information, using thermochromic materials and graduated labels to show consumed and remaining quantities, and a method to calculate and display Nutrition Facts for blended products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If consumers use opaque containers for food and beverage products, then product protection and aesthetic appeal are improved, but the ability to visually determine nutrition information and consumption levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing indicators that respond to temperature or chemical changes to visually indicate nutrition information and consumption levels on opaque containers. These indicators change color based on the product temperature or composition, allowing consumers to see calorie and sugar content information without making the container transparent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indication system that mediates between the opaque container and the consumer's need for nutrition information. This system includes external indicators, labels, or displays that convey nutrition data and consumption levels without requiring direct visual access to the product inside the opaque container.
2Adaptability or versatility
If consumers use customized blends of food and beverage products, then product versatility and consumer preference satisfaction are improved, but the accuracy of determining calorie and sugar content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system that tracks the components added to customized blends and automatically calculates the resulting calorie and sugar content. As consumers add or remove ingredients from their customized blends, the system provides real-time feedback on the nutrition information, ensuring accurate determination of the final product's caloric and sugar content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming nutrition data for all possible blend components and configurations. Before the consumer finalizes their customized blend, the system has already calculated and displayed the expected nutrition information, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their customization choices.
3Loss of information
If real-time nutrition information display systems are implemented, then consumer awareness and healthier choice making are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the dispensing device automatically tracks and displays nutrition information without requiring external intervention. The system autonomously monitors the product being dispensed, calculates the nutrition content in real-time, and presents this information to the consumer through integrated displays or indicators, eliminating the need for manual tracking or complex external monitoring systems.
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 consumers to easily track calorie and sugar intake from customized blends and dispensed products, providing accurate nutrition information in real-time, even for opaque containers, promoting healthier consumption choices.
Implementation Method 1
using thermochromic materials and graduated labels to show consumed and remaining quantities
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed that enable certain establishments that serve self-serve food and/or serve food via vending machines, to comply with recently issued FDA rules for providing calorie content and Nutrition Facts information to consumers. The calorie content and/or Nutrition Facts may be displayed on an electronic display, printed on a label, and/or provided via an audible signal, and/or may be provided in real time.