Adjustable Cake Support Plate Assembly for Secure Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cake stacking systems fail to provide a safe, secure, convenient, and economical method for supporting and displaying multi-layer cakes.
Innovation Solution
A cake stacker system comprising a base plate, lower and upper cake support plates, a center post, and dowels, which allows for adjustable height and secure positioning of cakes using threaded rods and nuts, enabling easy assembly and disassembly for versatile display configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional cake stacking systems are used, then cakes can be supported, but the system is complex and requires multiple stands and dowels
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into modular components: a base plate with integrated central post, multiple adjustable support plates with dowel holes, and removable dowels. This segmentation allows the complex function of supporting multi-layer cakes to be distributed across simple, interchangeable parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides the foundation for the entire structure, contains the central post for vertical support, and integrates the mounting points for support plates. The support plates are universal in that they can accommodate different cake sizes and can be positioned at various heights using the adjustable dowel system.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cake stacking systems are used, then cakes can be displayed, but assembly and disassembly is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is pre-configured with the central post and threaded studs, and the support plates are pre-drilled with aligned dowel holes. This preliminary preparation of hole alignments and threaded connections enables rapid assembly by simply inserting dowels and tightening nuts, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable support plates that can be positioned at different heights along the central post using the threaded stud and nut mechanism. This dynamic adjustability allows the same set of components to be quickly reconfigured for different cake layer heights and configurations, reducing assembly time for varied display requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cake stacking systems are used, then cakes can be supported, but the system is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as the foundation, contains the central post for vertical support, and integrates the mounting structure for support plates. This merging reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity and support security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, easily manufactured components such as wooden or plastic dowels, standard nuts and bolts, and basic plate structures. These components can be produced at low cost through simple manufacturing processes, making the overall system economically viable while still providing reliable cake support functionality.
4Productivity
If traditional cake stacking systems are used, then cakes can be stacked, but shipping and storage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable modules: the base plate with central post, multiple support plates, dowels, and nuts. These segmented components can be disassembled and packed compactly for shipping and storage, then quickly reassembled when needed. This segmentation directly improves shipping efficiency by reducing the volume and complexity of transported goods.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plates can be nested or stacked within each other when not in use, and the dowels can be stored in the hollow central post or attached to the base plate. This nesting arrangement minimizes the storage volume required for the complete system, improving both storage efficiency and shipping space utilization.
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 system ensures safe and secure cake delivery, maintains cakes at a level position, simplifies cake stacking, and is cost-effective, making it economically viable for the cake decorating industry by reducing the need for multiple stands and dowels, and allowing for efficient assembly and shipping.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of lower peripheral apertures extend through the lower cake support plate adjacent to the periphery thereof. A plurality of primary nuts are provided. The nuts are secured to the lower cake support plate.
Implementation Method 2
A threaded stud extends upwardly from the center of the base plate. A plurality of threaded lower dowels extending through the lower peripheral apertures and nuts of the lower cake support plate are provided.
Data Source
AI summary
A base plate has a center and a periphery. Lower and upper cake support plates have centers and peripheries and central apertures. A center post extends through the center apertures and is coupled to the base plate and the upper cake support plate. A plurality of dowels are coupled to the lower cake support plate and the upper cake support plate and extend downwardly therefrom.