AN ADJUSTABLE RENAL-FRIENDLY MEAL PLATE

Abstract

The invention discloses an adjustable renal-friendly meal plate (100) comprising modular compartments (20) for customizable portion sizes, embedded sensors (40) for real-time portion monitoring, and a companion mobile application for dietary guidance. The plate supports renal dietary management by separating nutrient profiles, providing immediate feedback, and offering meal planning. With a rechargeable power source and portable design, it enhances dietary adherence, promotes independence, and supports long-term health outcomes for renal patients.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The field of the invention relates to dietary management tools, particularly to a meal plate designed for individuals with renal conditions. It focuses on promoting portion control, nutrient balance, and adherence to kidney-friendly dietary guidelines through modular design and integrated nutritional guidance systems.

BACKGROUD OF THE INVENTION:
Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Individuals with renal conditions face unique dietary challenges that significantly impact their overall health and well-being. Managing portion sizes, controlling nutrient intake, and adhering to strict dietary restrictions are essential to maintaining kidney function and preventing complications. However, achieving these dietary goals is often a daunting task, requiring meticulous planning and monitoring. Many patients struggle with understanding dietary guidelines or measuring appropriate food quantities, leading to non-compliance and potential health risks. Existing tools such as traditional meal plates, measuring cups, or generic dietary plans fail to address the specific needs of renal patients, creating a critical gap in dietary management solutions.
Renal diets are particularly complex, as they involve limitations on sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake, along with tailored protein requirements. These dietary constraints can vary significantly based on the individual's stage of kidney disease, age, and coexisting medical conditions. Furthermore, individuals undergoing treatments such as dialysis often have unique dietary needs, including higher protein requirements or stricter fluid restrictions. For patients managing early-stage kidney disease, dietary goals may focus more on reducing sodium and balancing macronutrients. Without a convenient and personalized solution, patients often rely on guesswork, leading to potential overconsumption of restricted nutrients or undernutrition, which can exacerbate their condition.
The challenges associated with renal dietary management extend beyond the patient to caregivers, nutritionists, and medical professionals. Caregivers often bear the burden of preparing meals that adhere to dietary restrictions while ensuring variety and taste, a process that can be both time-consuming and stressful. Nutritionists and healthcare providers face difficulties in educating patients about appropriate portion sizes and nutrient balance. While they may provide patients with written guidelines or verbal instructions, translating these into daily practice remains a significant hurdle. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a practical, user-friendly, and customizable solution to simplify renal dietary management.
Technological advancements in health monitoring and dietary tools have offered innovative solutions in related areas, but renal-specific applications remain limited. Generic dietary management tools, such as portion control plates or calorie tracking apps, fail to address the nuanced requirements of renal diets. For example, a standard portion control plate may not account for low-potassium food options or the precise protein requirements for a renal patient. Similarly, calorie tracking apps often focus on weight loss or general health rather than specific nutrient restrictions. The lack of specialized tools tailored to renal dietary needs underscores the necessity for a novel approach.
The adjustable renal-friendly meal plate aims to bridge this gap by offering a holistic solution that combines functionality, customization, and technology. The concept is rooted in providing a tangible, easy-to-use tool that empowers patients to take control of their dietary habits while adhering to medical guidelines. By incorporating adjustable compartments, the plate allows users to customize portion sizes based on their specific dietary requirements. For instance, a patient on a low-potassium diet can increase the compartment size for low-potassium vegetables while reducing the space allocated for potassium-rich foods. Similarly, the plate can accommodate varying protein needs by providing distinct compartments for animal and plant-based protein sources.
In addition to its modular design, the plate integrates advanced guidance features to enhance usability and compliance. Embedded sensors can measure portion sizes in real-time, providing immediate feedback to users about whether their serving sizes meet dietary recommendations. This feature not only simplifies portion control but also eliminates the need for separate measuring tools, making the process more intuitive. Additionally, a companion mobile application can provide users with tailored meal planning suggestions, recipe ideas, and real-time nutrient tracking. The application can sync with the plate to analyze the nutritional composition of meals, offering insights into sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein intake. Such a system empowers users to make informed decisions about their diet while fostering long-term adherence to renal guidelines.
The invention also addresses the emotional and psychological challenges associated with managing a renal diet. Many patients feel overwhelmed or restricted by their dietary limitations, leading to frustration and a sense of isolation. By providing a tool that simplifies meal planning and preparation, the adjustable renal-friendly meal plate can reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with dietary compliance. Its user-friendly design promotes independence and confidence, encouraging patients to take an active role in their health management. Furthermore, the plate's aesthetically pleasing design and customizable features ensure that it integrates seamlessly into daily life, promoting a positive relationship with food.
The potential impact of the adjustable renal-friendly meal plate extends beyond individual users to the broader healthcare ecosystem. By improving dietary adherence, the invention can contribute to better health outcomes, reducing the progression of kidney disease and minimizing complications. This, in turn, can lower healthcare costs associated with hospitalizations, dialysis treatments, and medications. Additionally, the plate can serve as a valuable educational tool for healthcare providers, enabling them to visually demonstrate appropriate portion sizes and nutrient distribution during consultations. Nutritionists can use the plate to design personalized meal plans, enhancing their ability to support patients in achieving their dietary goals.
The versatility of the adjustable renal-friendly meal plate also opens opportunities for expansion into other dietary management areas. While initially focused on renal patients, the concept can be adapted to cater to individuals with other medical conditions requiring specific dietary modifications, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. This scalability highlights the potential for the invention to become a cornerstone in personalized dietary management solutions.
Therefore, the adjustable renal-friendly meal plate represents a transformative approach to addressing the dietary challenges faced by individuals with renal conditions. By combining modular design, advanced guidance features, and a patient-centric focus, the invention simplifies dietary management while promoting compliance and independence. It addresses the limitations of existing tools and offers a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of renal patients. The invention has the potential to improve health outcomes, reduce caregiver burden, and revolutionize dietary management in healthcare, paving the way for broader applications in the future.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
The prime object of the invention is to provide an adjustable renal-friendly meal plate that simplifies dietary management for individuals with renal conditions. By enabling precise portion control and nutrient customization, the invention aims to promote adherence to kidney-friendly dietary guidelines while reducing the complexity of meal planning.
Another object of the invention is to offer a modular design with adjustable compartments that allow users to customize portion sizes based on their specific dietary requirements, such as protein, carbohydrates, and low-potassium vegetables. This feature ensures flexibility and adaptability to individual dietary needs across different stages of renal disease.
Yet another object of the invention is to incorporate advanced guidance features, including embedded sensors and a companion mobile application, to provide real-time feedback on portion sizes and nutrient intake. This system empowers users to make informed dietary decisions and enhances their ability to comply with medical recommendations effectively.
Still another object of the invention is to reduce the emotional and psychological burden associated with managing a renal diet by offering a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing tool that promotes independence and confidence. The invention seeks to alleviate stress and anxiety, fostering a positive relationship with food and dietary management.
A further object of the invention is to serve as an educational aid for caregivers, nutritionists, and healthcare providers. By visually demonstrating appropriate portion sizes and nutrient distribution, the invention facilitates effective dietary education and supports personalized meal planning during consultations.
An additional object of the invention is to contribute to better health outcomes for individuals with renal conditions by promoting dietary compliance. By improving adherence to dietary guidelines, the invention aims to slow the progression of kidney disease, reduce complications, and lower healthcare costs associated with hospitalizations and treatments.
Lastly, the invention aims to offer scalability for broader applications, enabling its adaptation for dietary management in other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. This highlights the potential of the invention to become a versatile and widely used tool in personalized dietary solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention introduces an adjustable renal-friendly meal plate, specifically formulated to address the dietary challenges faced by individuals with renal conditions. By combining modularity, technology, and user-centric design, the invention simplifies portion control and nutrient management, ensuring adherence to kidney-friendly dietary guidelines. Its innovative features aim to transform dietary management for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
An inventive aspect of the invention is to provide a modular meal plate with adjustable compartments that can be customized to accommodate varying portion sizes. This feature ensures that users can personalize their meal composition based on specific dietary requirements, such as reducing potassium-rich foods or optimizing protein intake according to renal dietary guidelines.
Another inventive aspect of the invention is to provide embedded sensors within the meal plate that measure portion sizes in real-time. These sensors offer immediate feedback on the quantity and balance of food portions, enabling users to monitor their adherence to dietary recommendations without the need for additional measuring tools or complex calculations.
Yet another inventive aspect of the invention is to provide a companion mobile application that syncs with the meal plate to analyze the nutritional composition of meals. The application offers tailored dietary guidance, meal suggestions, and real-time tracking of nutrients such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein. This integration promotes informed decision-making and enhances user engagement with dietary management.
Still another inventive aspect of the invention is to provide an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly design that fosters a positive relationship with food and reduces the psychological burden of dietary restrictions. The invention is designed to empower users, promoting independence and confidence in managing their renal diet while alleviating stress and anxiety associated with dietary compliance.
A further inventive aspect of the invention is to serve as an educational tool for caregivers and healthcare providers. The meal plate's visual representation of portion sizes and nutrient balance aids in educating patients and designing personalized meal plans, bridging the gap between dietary recommendations and practical implementation.
Additionally, the invention aims to improve health outcomes by promoting consistent dietary adherence. By helping patients manage their nutrient intake effectively, the invention reduces the risk of complications, slows the progression of kidney disease, and minimizes the need for costly medical interventions.
Lastly, the invention offers scalability for broader applications in dietary management. While initially designed for renal patients, its modularity and technological features can be adapted to meet the dietary needs of individuals with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease, making it a versatile and impactful tool in personalized healthcare solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of "An Adjustable Renal-Friendly Meal Plate," highlighting key aspects of its design and functionality. These figures are intended for illustrative purposes to aid in understanding the invention and are not meant to limit its scope.
FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an adjustable renal-friendly meal plate, showing its modular compartments, embedded sensors, and accompanying mobile application interface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The drawings provided will be further described in detail in the following sections. They offer a visual representation of the meal plate's modular design, nutrient tracking features, and customizable components, helping to clarify and support the detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
The present invention is described in brief with reference to the accompanying drawings. Now, refer in more detail to the exemplary drawings for the purposes of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.
As used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers or elements but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers or elements.
As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "a device" encompasses a single device as well as two or more devices, and the like.
As used herein, the terms "for example", "like", "such as", or "including" are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are provided only as an aid for understanding the applications illustrated in the present disclosure, and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion.
As used herein, the terms ""may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition and persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
With reference to FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable renal-friendly meal plate (100) is a highly innovative tool designed to address the specific dietary needs of individuals managing renal conditions. This invention is centered around modular compartments (20), embedded sensors (40), and a companion mobile application, creating a comprehensive system for promoting adherence to kidney-friendly dietary guidelines. The modular compartments (20) are a defining feature, enabling users to customize portion sizes according to their unique dietary requirements. These compartments can be resized or rearranged, providing the flexibility to separate food items with different nutrient profiles, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and low-potassium vegetables. This customizable design ensures that users can accurately portion their meals to meet specific renal dietary restrictions, reducing the risks associated with overconsumption or underconsumption of critical nutrients.
The embedded sensors (40) integrated into the plate enhance the functionality by offering real-time monitoring of portion sizes. These sensors measure the weight and volume of food in each compartment, providing immediate feedback to the user. The feedback, delivered through visual or auditory cues, alerts the user when their portion sizes deviate from predefined guidelines, ensuring precise adherence to dietary recommendations. For example, the sensors can detect when a user exceeds the recommended protein portion size and provide an alert to adjust the serving. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for additional measuring tools, simplifying the process of meal preparation for individuals with renal conditions.
The companion mobile application further elevates the meal plate's usability by offering tailored dietary guidance, nutrient tracking, and meal planning. The application connects wirelessly to the plate via a rechargeable power source, enabling seamless communication between the embedded sensors (40) and the user's mobile device. Through this connection, the application collects nutritional data from the plate, including the weight and estimated nutrient composition of each portion. Users can input additional dietary preferences or restrictions, and the application generates personalized meal suggestions, ensuring compliance with renal dietary needs. For instance, if the sensors detect a potassium-rich food item, the application can recommend alternatives or suggest modifications to balance the meal. This feature provides users with actionable insights to optimize their dietary habits effectively.
The modular compartments (20) are constructed from food-safe, lightweight, and durable materials, ensuring that the meal plate (100) is easy to clean and portable. The materials are designed to withstand frequent use, maintaining their integrity even after repeated washing or exposure to varying temperatures. This durability enhances the practicality of the meal plate, making it suitable for everyday use at home or on the go. Additionally, the compartments are aesthetically designed to promote user engagement and reduce the stigma often associated with medical dietary tools. The visually appealing layout encourages users to interact with the plate, fostering a positive relationship with food and dietary management.
One of the unique aspects of the invention is its ability to support users emotionally and psychologically. Managing a renal diet can be challenging, leading to stress and anxiety about meeting dietary requirements. The adjustable renal-friendly meal plate (100) addresses these concerns by simplifying portion control and nutrient monitoring, reducing the cognitive load on users. The plate's intuitive design empowers users to take control of their dietary habits, promoting independence and confidence. By making dietary management more accessible, the invention encourages consistent adherence to renal dietary guidelines, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes.
The rechargeable power source integrated into the meal plate (100) is a crucial feature that ensures the continuous operation of the embedded sensors (40) and wireless communication with the mobile application. This power source is designed for efficiency, requiring minimal charging while providing extended usage. The wireless connectivity, enabled through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, facilitates seamless data transmission between the plate and the application, ensuring that users receive real-time feedback and guidance without interruptions. This integration of technology and functionality underscores the invention's commitment to creating a user-friendly and reliable dietary management tool.
In addition to real-time monitoring and guidance, the mobile application offers advanced tracking capabilities. Users can log their meals over time, allowing the application to generate trends and insights into their dietary habits. These insights can be shared with healthcare providers or nutritionists, enabling them to make informed decisions about the user's dietary plan. For example, the application can highlight patterns of excessive sodium intake or insufficient protein consumption, helping users and caregivers address these issues proactively. This feature transforms the meal plate (100) into a comprehensive tool for long-term dietary management, supporting users in achieving sustained compliance with their renal diet.
The invention also includes a method for managing renal dietary intake using the meal plate (100). This method involves arranging food items in the modular compartments (20) according to dietary guidelines, utilizing the embedded sensors (40) to monitor portion sizes and nutrient content in real-time, and accessing the companion mobile application for tailored guidance. This step-by-step process simplifies the complexities of renal dietary management, making it accessible to users with varying levels of dietary knowledge or experience. By following this method, users can ensure that their meals align with medical recommendations, reducing the risk of complications associated with poor dietary adherence.
The tailored dietary guidance provided by the mobile application includes alerts for exceeding nutrient limits or recommendations for balanced meals. For instance, if a user exceeds the recommended sodium intake for a meal, the application can suggest reducing the portion size or substituting the food item with a low-sodium alternative. This proactive guidance helps users make healthier choices in real time, enhancing their ability to manage their renal diet effectively. Additionally, the application's educational module provides resources and tips for understanding renal dietary guidelines, empowering users to make informed decisions about their meals.
The invention's design also considers the needs of caregivers and healthcare providers. The visually distinct modular compartments (20) and real-time feedback features make it easier for caregivers to prepare meals that adhere to dietary guidelines. Healthcare providers can use the meal plate (100) as an educational tool during consultations, demonstrating appropriate portion sizes and nutrient distribution. This dual-purpose functionality enhances the invention's utility, making it a valuable asset in both personal and professional contexts.
Therefore, the adjustable renal-friendly meal plate (100) represents a groundbreaking approach to dietary management for individuals with renal conditions. Its modular compartments (20), embedded sensors (40), and companion mobile application work in harmony to simplify portion control, nutrient tracking, and meal planning. The invention's user-centric design promotes engagement and compliance, reducing the stress and complexity of managing a renal diet. By addressing the unique challenges faced by renal patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, the invention offers a comprehensive solution that supports better health outcomes, fosters independence, and enhances the overall quality of life for users.

Working of the invention: The adjustable renal-friendly meal plate (100) operates as an integrated dietary management tool, combining modular compartments (20), embedded sensors (40), and a companion mobile application. The working mechanism ensures that individuals with renal conditions can effectively manage their dietary intake by simplifying portion control, nutrient tracking, and personalized meal planning.
The invention begins with the user arranging food items in the modular compartments (20) of the meal plate (100). These compartments are designed to separate food items based on their nutrient profiles, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and low-potassium vegetables. The adjustable nature of the compartments allows users to resize or rearrange them according to their specific dietary requirements. For example, a user can allocate more space for low-potassium vegetables while limiting compartments for protein or high-potassium foods, as dictated by their renal dietary guidelines.
Once the food items are placed on the plate, the embedded sensors (40) are activated. These sensors, integrated into the base of the plate, measure the weight and volume of the food in each compartment in real-time. The sensors are programmed to compare these measurements against predefined dietary limits tailored for renal patients. For instance, if the protein portion exceeds the recommended size, the sensors provide immediate feedback through visual indicators, such as LED lights on the plate, or auditory signals, such as beeps. This feedback ensures that users are alerted to adjust their portions before consuming the meal, promoting precise adherence to dietary guidelines.
The real-time data collected by the embedded sensors (40) is transmitted wirelessly to the companion mobile application via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The plate is powered by a rechargeable power source that ensures continuous operation of the sensors and seamless data communication. The mobile application serves as an intelligent interface, analyzing the data received from the plate and offering tailored dietary guidance. It provides a detailed breakdown of the meal's nutrient composition, including estimates for sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein content. This analysis helps users understand the nutritional value of their meal and make informed dietary decisions.
The mobile application also includes features for meal planning and tracking. Users can input additional dietary preferences or restrictions, allowing the application to generate personalized meal suggestions. For example, if the application identifies that a user's meal is low in protein, it can recommend suitable protein-rich food options within renal dietary limits. Conversely, if the meal contains excess sodium, the application can suggest low-sodium alternatives or modifications to the meal. These recommendations are designed to guide users toward balanced and compliant meals, reducing the cognitive effort required to manage a renal diet.
As users continue to log their meals, the application creates a historical record of their dietary habits. This record is used to identify trends and insights, such as consistent overconsumption of certain nutrients or deficiencies in others. The application presents this information in an easy-to-understand format, including graphs and charts, helping users and their healthcare providers monitor progress over time. For instance, a user may notice a consistent pattern of high potassium intake and adjust their food choices accordingly. Healthcare providers can also use this data to refine dietary plans and provide targeted advice during consultations.
The modular compartments (20) of the meal plate (100) are made from lightweight, food-safe materials that are easy to clean and durable enough for daily use. The compartments are detachable, allowing users to reconfigure them based on changing dietary needs or preferences. This adaptability ensures that the plate remains functional and relevant as the user's dietary requirements evolve. The visually distinct compartments and aesthetically pleasing design further enhance user engagement, making the meal plate (100) an appealing and non-stigmatizing dietary tool.
In addition to its primary functions, the invention also includes features to support portability and convenience. A detachable lid can be added to the plate, enabling users to carry meals securely while maintaining portion integrity. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who need to manage their diet while traveling or working outside the home. The rechargeable power source is designed for efficiency, providing extended usage on a single charge and requiring minimal downtime.
The working of the invention also extends to caregivers and healthcare providers. Caregivers can use the meal plate (100) to prepare meals that meet renal dietary guidelines, relying on the embedded sensors (40) and application feedback for accuracy. Healthcare providers can use the plate as an educational tool to demonstrate appropriate portion sizes and nutrient balance, facilitating better understanding and compliance among patients. For instance, during a consultation, a nutritionist can visually show how to portion a meal using the modular compartments (20) and explain the feedback provided by the embedded sensors (40).
Overall, the invention operates as a cohesive system that simplifies dietary management for individuals with renal conditions. By integrating real-time monitoring, personalized guidance, and flexible design, the meal plate (100) empowers users to take control of their dietary habits, promotes adherence to medical recommendations, and supports long-term health management. The seamless interaction between its components ensures that users receive consistent and actionable insights, making the invention an indispensable tool for renal dietary care.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:
The prime advantage of the invention is to provide a user-friendly meal plate (100) that simplifies dietary management for individuals with renal conditions, ensuring precise portion control and nutrient monitoring tailored to specific dietary needs.
Another advantage of the invention is its modular compartments (20), allowing users to customize portion sizes and separate food items based on nutrient profiles, promoting flexibility and adherence to renal dietary guidelines.
Yet another advantage of the invention is the integration of embedded sensors (40), which offer real-time feedback on portion sizes, eliminating the need for external measuring tools and ensuring immediate adjustments to meet dietary requirements.
Still another advantage of the invention is its companion mobile application, which provides personalized dietary guidance, nutrient tracking, and meal planning, enhancing user engagement and supporting informed decision-making for better health outcomes.
A further advantage of the invention is its aesthetically pleasing design, which reduces the stigma associated with medical dietary tools, encouraging consistent use and fostering a positive relationship with food and dietary management.
An additional advantage of the invention is its portability and ease of cleaning, making the meal plate (100) practical for daily use at home or on the go, enhancing convenience for users.
Another advantage of the invention is the rechargeable power source, which ensures efficient operation of the embedded sensors (40) and wireless communication with the mobile application, promoting seamless and reliable functionality.
Yet another advantage of the invention is its ability to track dietary habits over time through the mobile application, offering trends and insights that support long-term compliance and collaboration with healthcare providers.
Still another advantage of the invention is its utility as an educational tool for caregivers and healthcare providers, facilitating better understanding of portion sizes, nutrient balance, and effective dietary management practices.
A final advantage of the invention is its scalability, enabling its adaptation for managing dietary needs beyond renal conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, making it a versatile solution for personalized health management.
, Claims:CLAIM(S):
We Claim:
1. An adjustable renal-friendly meal plate (100), comprising:
a. modular compartments (20) that can be resized or rearranged to customize portion sizes based on dietary requirements;
b. embedded sensors (40) integrated within the plate to measure and monitor portion sizes in real-time; and
c. a companion mobile application configured to provide dietary guidance, nutrient tracking, and meal planning based on user-specific renal dietary needs.
2. The meal plate of claim 1, wherein the modular compartments are designed to separate food items with different nutrient profiles, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and low-potassium vegetables.
3. The meal plate of claim 1, wherein the embedded sensors provide immediate visual or auditory feedback to users regarding adherence to predefined portion sizes and nutrient limits.
4. The meal plate of claim 1, wherein the companion mobile application offers personalized meal suggestions based on the nutritional data collected by the plate and user-input dietary preferences.
5. The meal plate of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable power source to operate the embedded sensors and enable wireless communication with the companion mobile application.
6. The meal plate of claim 1, wherein the modular compartments are constructed from food-safe, lightweight, and durable materials to facilitate ease of cleaning and portability.
7. The meal plate of claim 1, wherein the design includes an aesthetically pleasing layout to promote user engagement and reduce the stigma associated with medical dietary tools.
8. A method for managing renal dietary intake using the meal plate of claim 1, comprising:
a. arranging food items in the modular compartments according to dietary guidelines;
b. utilizing embedded sensors to monitor portion sizes and nutrient content in real-time; and
c. accessing the companion mobile application to receive tailored dietary guidance and nutrient analysis.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the tailored dietary guidance includes alerts for exceeding nutrient limits or recommendations for balanced meals based on renal dietary guidelines.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising tracking the user's dietary habits over time through the mobile application to provide trends and insights for long-term dietary management.

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