Pumpkin Decorative Device with Rigid Template and Integrated Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Decorative patterns on perishable fruits and vegetables like pumpkins deteriorate rapidly due to decay, shrinkage, and deformation, making it difficult to maintain their shape and aesthetic appeal over time.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a cover body with a decorative aperture and a tubular collar that can be inserted into a pumpkin, featuring a cutting member and a light source, along with a colored lens, which creates a durable and long-lasting decorative design that does not decay or deform, allowing for precise cutting and consistent illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional stencils are used to create decorative patterns on pumpkins, then the initial decorative effect is achieved, but the pattern deteriorates rapidly due to decay, shrinkage, and deformation of the pumpkin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of decorative patternVSAvoidshape stability of pattern

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a rigid template that copies the desired decorative pattern shape, transferring it to the pumpkin surface. The template itself maintains the pattern geometry perfectly, serving as a reusable master copy that doesn't decay or deform like traditional paper stencils applied directly to the pumpkin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid template is prepared in advance with the exact decorative pattern desired. This preliminary creation of a stable, precise template allows the user to transfer the pattern to the pumpkin before any decay or deformation occurs, ensuring the pattern is established when the pumpkin is still stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional stencils are used for cutting patterns, then simple shapes can be achieved, but finer cuts and artistic details are impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of cutting tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the template function with a cutting attachment into a single integrated device. The rigid template maintains the pattern shape while the attached cutting element (knife or blade) follows the template's edge, allowing precise cuts to be made while maintaining the desired decorative pattern geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid template serves as an intermediary between the desired pattern design and the cutting action. Instead of freehand cutting or using complex guided systems, the template mediates the cutting process by providing a stable reference edge that guides the cutting tool along the precise pattern path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11215354B1Devices and apparatuses for enhancing fruits and vegetables

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 DESCHER JOSEPH ZENO

AI summary

Devices and apparatuses for enhancing fruits and vegetables are provided herein. In one embodiment a device includes a cover body having a decorative aperture and a tubular collar formed proximate an outer peripheral edge of the cover body, the tubular collar extending away from the cover body, the tubular collar having a terminal edge surface and a length that extends along a central axis of the cover body.