Branching Confection Route for Character End Portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing confections require multiple types and different shapes of parts for combination, making them complex and difficult to consume.

Innovation Solution

A confection with a simple structure consisting of a start portion, an end portion, and a route portion that includes a branch portion splitting into multiple route portions, allowing for different paths to the end portion, which includes character portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of confections with different shapes are used for combination, then the confection becomes more fun and engaging, but the structure becomes complex and requires multiple parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefun and engaging experienceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The confection is divided into three functional segments: a start portion, an end portion, and a route portion connecting them. This segmentation allows the confection to provide a structured experience with multiple paths while maintaining a unified design, avoiding the need for multiple separate confection types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the confection have distinct characteristics - the start portion, end portion, and route portion can have different tastes, aromas, and textures. This local differentiation creates variety and engagement within a single unified confection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of confections are required for combination, then the confection provides more variety, but it requires different shapes of parts making it difficult to consume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of tastes and aromasVSAvoidease of consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple taste and aroma experiences are merged into a single confection by incorporating different flavors along the route portion and at the end portion. This allows consumers to enjoy variety without needing to assemble multiple separate confection pieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The confection serves multiple functions within a single unified structure: it provides different tastes, aromas, and a playful experience of traveling from the start to the end portion through various routes, all while maintaining ease of consumption as a single piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250072447A1Confection and confection set

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 BANDAI CO LTD

AI summary

The confection includes a start portion, an end portion, and a route portion formed between the start portion and the end portion. The route portion includes: a branch portion at which the route portion is split into multiple route portions, a first route portion extending from the branch portion to the end portion, and a second route portion extending from the branch portion to the end portion. The end portion includes a character portion. The confection includes two or more end portions, as necessary.