Cake Protector Structure for Saliva and Wax Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cake covers fail to protect cakes from unsanitary conditions such as saliva and wax deposits during candle-blowing ceremonies, as they do not effectively shield the cake or manage candle placement and access.
Innovation Solution
A cake protector with a vertical cake region wall and a horizontal cover that encloses the cake, featuring a detachable or non-detachable hinge mechanism for the candle region, allowing for easy access and cleaning, and optional features like varied hole sizes for candles and extensions for additional decorations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional cake cover is used, then the cake is partially protected, but the cake remains exposed to saliva and wax deposits during candle-blowing ceremonies
Solution Approach 1:
The cake cover is divided into two distinct regions: a cake region with vertical walls that protects the cake from saliva and wax, and a candle region with an open top that allows access to candles. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a traditional flat horizontal design to a three-dimensional structure with vertical cake region walls rising from the cover surface. This dimensional change creates enclosed side walls that block harmful factors from reaching the cake while maintaining open access to the candle region above.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cake region wall is made tall to prevent saliva and wax from reaching the cake, then protection is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into distinct functional regions (cake region and candle region) separated by vertical walls. This segmentation allows the protective function to be achieved through targeted vertical barriers only where needed, rather than enclosing the entire structure, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The candle region is extracted as a separate open space above the cover, removing the need for tall enclosing walls around the entire structure. Only the cake region requires vertical protective walls, minimizing the amount of structural material and complexity needed while still achieving the protection goal.
3Ease of repair
If the lid is made detachable to facilitate cleaning, then ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with a hinge mechanism that allows it to pivot between a closed position (for normal use and aesthetic presentation) and an open position (for cleaning and maintenance). This dynamic capability enables the lid to serve multiple functions without requiring complete detachment, balancing ease of cleaning with structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cake protector with cake region defined by a vertical cake region wall resting on the surface and a horizontal cover. A candle region above the cover is defined by the cover and a candle region wall. In one configuration, the cake region wall, cover, and candle region wall are a unitary component. In another configuration, the cake region wall is a unitary component, and the cover and candle region wall is a separate unitary component that sits in an annular groove in the top of the cake region wall. A lid is attached to the candle region wall by a hinge such that the lid pivots between an open position, where the lid allows access to the candle region, and a closed position, where the lid encloses the candle region. The hinge is detachable or not. The lid has holes for candles that rest on the cover.