Rotating Cake Stand Assembly With Multi-Position Tilt Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cake stands with rotating and tilting mechanisms are difficult to operate and offer limited tilting positions, making it inconvenient to decorate cakes evenly.
Innovation Solution
A cake stand design featuring a platter support assembly with a rotatable and tiltable mechanism, utilizing a rotational control lever and tilt-release button, allowing 360-degree rotation and multiple tilting positions through ball bearings and a pivot pin, with biasing members for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating and tilting mechanism is added to the cake stand, then the ease of operation for cake decoration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cake stand is divided into separate functional modules: a rotating platter mechanism and a tilting support mechanism. The platter rotates independently on ball bearings, while the support arm tilts independently on a pivot pin. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be simple and easy to operate without requiring complex integrated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The cake stand employs dynamic elements including a rotatable platter that can rotate 360 degrees on ball bearings, and a tiltable support arm that can be positioned at multiple angles using a pivot pin. These dynamic features enable easy adjustment and operation during cake decoration while maintaining mechanical simplicity through straightforward rotational and tilting motions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tilting mechanism allows multiple positions, then the versatility for different decorating angles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting mechanism uses a pivot pin that allows the support arm to be positioned at multiple angles dynamically. This simple pinned connection provides versatility for different decorating angles without requiring complex multi-position locking mechanisms or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt-support arm incorporates a self-locking feature where the arm's weight and position naturally maintain it at the desired angle. The mechanism uses the arm's own gravity and geometry to hold positions without requiring external locking devices or complex control systems, achieving versatility through self-service.
3Ease of operation
If ball bearings are used for rotation, then the ease of rotating the platter is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard, commercially available ball bearings rather than custom-engineered precision components. These off-the-shelf bearings provide sufficient rotational smoothness for cake decoration without requiring high manufacturing precision, making the system easier to manufacture and maintain while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables comfortable and convenient cake decoration with a wide range of tilting and rotating positions, enhancing user experience and operational ease.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed portion has a race that houses ball bearings. The fixed portion and rotatable portion only touch at these ball bearings.
Implementation Method 2
a tilt-support arm is connected to the platter support assembly and support portion of the tilting assembly by a pin. The tilt-support arm pivots around this pin, causing the platter assembly to tilt around the longitudinal axis of the pin.
Implementation Method 3
A biasing member acts on the button to push it back up after it has been released. Another biasing member between the rotating pivot and tilt-orientation lock bias the mechanism so that the tilt-orientation lock moves back to its first position
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating and tilting cake stand comprising a rotation assembly, a base assembly, and a platter. The rotation assembly has a fixed portion and a rotatable portion. A rotation control mechanism controlling the rotation of the rotatable portion relative to the fixed portion. The base assembly has a base portion and a support portion that connects to the rotation assembly. Within the base assembly is a tilt-support arm that is connected to the rotation assembly and support portion with a pin that allows the tilt-support arm to pivot, causing the platter to tilt. In the base portion, a lock engages the tilt-support arm to either inhibit or allow the tilt-support arm to move freely. The lock is manipulated by a button in the base portion that is connected to a rotational pivot that is connected to the lock.