Interlocking Flat-Piece Assembly for Unified 3D Cookie Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating three-dimensional cookies from flat dough sheets result in discontinuous designs that lack unity and rigidity, failing to produce solid and robust structures.
Innovation Solution
A set of cutters and molds designed to create interlocking two-dimensional pieces from flat plastic material, which can be hardened to form stable and aesthetically appealing three-dimensional sculptures, using materials like plastic, silicone, and metal, with specific shapes and sizes to ensure precise assembly and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If flat cookie pieces are simply put together after baking, then the cookies can be assembled, but the resulting structure appears discontinuous and lacks unity
Solution Approach 1:
The cookie structure is divided into multiple flat pieces that are stacked and interconnected. Each piece is cut with specific patterns (slots, protrusions, indentions) that enable them to be segmented yet unified when assembled, creating both structural unity and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
Flat cookie pieces are nested within each other through stacking and interconnection. The pieces fit together like nested dolls, with slots and protrusions allowing one piece to be inserted into another, creating a unified three-dimensional structure from multiple flat components.
2Shape
If traditional methods are used to create three-dimensional cookies, then the cookies can be made elevated, but the rigidity or flatness of the dough sheets is still visible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional flat cookie pieces to three-dimensional structures by stacking and interconnecting multiple pieces. The flat pieces are arranged in vertical layers with interlocking features, creating genuine three-dimensional forms while maintaining visual continuity through careful design of the interconnection points.
3Manufacturing precision
If cutters are used to create shaped pieces from flat material, then precision and uniformity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter set is designed with multiple cutters that can create different shapes, slots, and patterns. Each cutter serves a specific function in the overall process, but together they form a universal system that can create various cookie designs. The cutters are made from durable materials like metal or silicone that can be easily cleaned and reused, reducing long-term complexity.
4Strength
If interlocking features are added to shaped pieces, then assembly stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Interlocking features such as slots, protrusions, and indentions are added locally to specific areas of the cookie pieces rather than requiring precision across the entire piece. This allows the majority of each piece to be simpler in shape while concentrating the precision requirements only at the interconnection points, thereby improving assembly stability without excessively increasing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
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 solution enables the creation of solid, robust, and unified three-dimensional cookie structures that are more realistic and visually appealing, while maintaining the traditional use of flat dough sheets, with improved stability and ease of use for users of all skill levels.
Implementation Method 1
whereby the plastic material hardens or can be hardened
Implementation Method 2
If the hardening of the plastic material requires the application of heat, for example baking dough
Data Source
AI summary
A set includes at least two means for creating essentially two-dimensional shaped pieces from an essentially flat plastic material, whereas the plastic material hardens or can be hardened and whereas the means have different shapes and/or sizes, and at least one mould for moulding essentially two-dimensional shaped pieces into a three-dimensional sculpture.