Measured Plastic Cake Supports for Even Multi-Tier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dowels used for supporting multi-tiered cakes are difficult to cut, require large diameters that reduce cake volume and create unsightly holes, and often result in uneven support due to inconsistent lengths.
Innovation Solution
A plastic dowel with measurement scales on its surface for easy length adjustment and cutting, allowing for precise cutting to match the height of each cake tier, ensuring even support and minimizing cake damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional wooden dowels are used to support multi-tiered cakes, then the cakes can be supported structurally, but the dowels are difficult to cut and require specialized tools (saw and sandpaper)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to plastic, which fundamentally alters the cuttability of the dowel. Plastic dowels can be easily cut with scissors or knives, eliminating the need for saws and sandpaper, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic dowels are designed as disposable components that can be easily discarded after use. Their temporary nature allows for simpler manufacturing and disposal methods compared to reusable wooden dowels, improving ease of manufacture while reducing the need for complex tooling
2Strength
If large diameter dowels are used to support larger cakes, then the structural support is sufficient, but the amount of cake available decreases and unsightly vertical holes are left after dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic material with high strength-to-weight ratio and structural optimization to achieve sufficient load-bearing capacity with smaller dowel diameters. The plastic material properties allow for thinner, less intrusive dowels that maintain structural support while preserving more cake volume and minimizing visible holes
Solution Approach 2:
The dowels are designed with optimized local geometry and material distribution to concentrate strength where needed while minimizing overall diameter. This allows the dowels to provide sufficient support for larger cakes without occupying excessive cake volume or creating large unsightly holes when removed
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple dowels are used to support upper tiers, then the cake structure is stabilized, but if each dowel is not cut to substantially the same length then the cake appears lopsided or out of plumb
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates measurement scales and markings on the plastic dowels before use, allowing the baker to pre-measure and mark the required length. This preliminary action ensures that all dowels are cut to substantially the same length, achieving both structural stability and visual alignment without requiring high precision during the cutting process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement scales and indicators on the dowel surfaces enable the user to self-measure and self-cut the dowels to the correct length. This self-service approach allows non-professional users to achieve consistent lengths across multiple dowels, maintaining both stability and appearance without requiring specialized skills or equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An internal cake support device for forming a multi-tiered cake. The device comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end and a head is provided at a first end. The device comprises a first measurement scale for measuring a linear dimension from the second end of the shaft. The device comprises a second measurement scale for measuring a linear dimension from the first end of the shaft.