Eating Utensil Bite Sensing for Dietary Intake Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for weight control, such as timers and chewing and swallowing measuring devices, are inadequate in accurately measuring dietary intake and providing practical guidance for pacing eating speed, leading to ineffective obesity management.
Innovation Solution
A dietary intake regulating device equipped with sensors like touch, stretch, motion, pressure, and photo sensors that detect bites and track dietary intake and activity levels, allowing for real-time calorie balance tracking and alerting users to adjust their eating and activity habits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a timer is used to emit signals at predetermined intervals, then eating speed regulation is provided, but the actual bites of food taken by the user cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical timers with optical sensors (photoelectric detection system) to detect bites. The photo sensor detects changes in light reflection when food contacts the utensil, automatically identifying bite events without mechanical intervention, thus achieving both ease of operation and precise bite measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the user and the food. The photo sensor acts as an intermediary that detects the interaction between food and utensil, translating physical contact into measurable signals for bite counting and regulation.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used to detect the weight of food, then bite measurement is provided, but the ability to distinguish between food weight and other sources of pressure is unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure sensors with an optical detection system. The photo sensor detects bites by measuring changes in light reflection properties when food contacts the utensil surface, eliminating the ambiguity of pressure sources while maintaining reliable bite detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical pressure to optical reflection characteristics. By monitoring changes in light reflection intensity or patterns, the system can specifically identify food-utensil contact events without being affected by other pressure sources.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect bites and track dietary intake, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the photo sensor system to perform multiple functions: detecting bite events, measuring food volume, and tracking dietary intake. This single multi-functional optical system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors, maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines bite detection, food volume measurement, and dietary tracking functions into a unified sensor system. The photo sensor simultaneously captures multiple parameters (light reflection intensity, contact duration, frequency) that are processed together to provide comprehensive dietary intake information.
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
The device effectively helps users manage their eating speed and physical activity by accurately measuring bites and calorie consumption, promoting balanced eating and activity habits, thereby aiding in weight control and overall health management.
Implementation Method 1
photo sensors and the like. In combination, the various sensors can be used to determine the user's dietary intake
Implementation Method 2
pressure sensors, photo sensors and the like. In combination, the various sensors can be used to determine the user's dietary intake
Data Source
AI summary
Dietary intake regulating devices that can assist a user in measuring his or her dietary intake and optionally his or her physical activity are disclosed.