Spring-Loaded Cake Ejector Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for ejecting items from cakes, such as confetti, often rely on compressed gas or pyrotechnic systems, which are unsuitable due to safety concerns and regulatory issues, particularly during transportation and export, and require complex systems for controlled ejection profiles.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism with a catch mechanism and actuator, where a fork with resiliently deformable prongs or jaws propels items from a tube without compressed gas, allowing for simple operation and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If compressed gas systems are used for ejecting items from cakes, then ejection power and speed are improved, but safety concerns and regulatory compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the compressed gas system with a purely mechanical spring-loaded piston system. The spring (component 40) stores mechanical energy and releases it to propel the piston (component 30), which in turn ejects the items from the tube. This mechanical substitution eliminates safety concerns associated with compressed gas while maintaining ejection capability.
2Force
If compressed gas systems are used for ejecting items from cakes, then ejection force is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex compressed gas system, including gas canisters, regulators, and control valves. Instead, it uses a simple spring-loaded piston mechanism where the spring (40) directly converts stored mechanical energy into ejection force through the piston (30), significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining ejection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or single-use spring mechanism that can be easily replaced. The spring-loaded piston system is designed as a simple, inexpensive component assembly that can be manufactured at low cost and replaced if needed, eliminating the need for complex, expensive compressed gas infrastructure.
3Speed
If pyrotechnic activated gas devices are used for ejecting items, then ejection speed is improved, but safety concerns and transportation restrictions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pyrotechnic activation with mechanical activation. The spring (40) is mechanically compressed and held by a catch mechanism (component 50), then released through a simple mechanical trigger system. This eliminates all pyrotechnic components, making the device safe for transportation and export while maintaining ejection speed through the stored mechanical energy in the spring.
4Ease of operation
If complex air pressure systems are used for controlled ejection, then ejection control is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex air pressure control systems, including remote pumps, pressure regulators, and control valves. Instead, it uses a simple mechanical catch mechanism (50) that holds the compressed spring (40) in place and releases it through a straightforward trigger system, providing adequate ejection control without the complexity of pneumatic control systems.
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 eliminates safety concerns associated with compressed gas systems, simplifies operation, and reduces the complexity of the ejection mechanism, enabling quick and cost-effective production while ensuring controlled item ejection from cakes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to urge the moveable member away from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
the fork comprises two resiliently deformable prongs and the base portion comprises a socket configured to receive the two resiliently deformable prongs and constrict the fork around the protrusion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for ejecting items from a cake and a method of assembling the device. The device comprises a tube for receiving the items, a moveable member disposed within the tube, a spring configured to urge the moveable member away from a first position to a second position, and a catch mechanism configured to lock the moveable member in the first position against the force of the spring. Releasing the catch mechanism causes the moveable member to move from the first position to the second position, thereby propelling the items from the tube. The invention further relates to a platform comprising a device for ejecting items from a cake, wherein the platform includes a surface for supporting the cake and a method for preparing a cake on such a platform. The present invention also relates to a device that is positioned in a cake or other confection, a cake comprising said cake device, and a method for preparing a cake having such a device.