Flexible Stem Holders for Damage-Free Decorative Arrangements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decorative and edible arrangement devices, such as those using sticks in wood or acrylic bases, limit creative flexibility and often damage items during removal due to friction and structural constraints.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a stem and multiple holders that allows for easy insertion and removal of items, providing design flexibility and preventing damage, featuring a malleable material stem that can be bent and holders that can be configured to accommodate various items and bases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If items are inserted directly into a base with pre-drilled holes, then the arrangement structure is simple, but the items become broken or damaged upon removal due to friction and structural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure with a stem and holder as an intermediary component between the item and the base. The holder receives the item stick, while the stem provides structural support and can be inserted into the base. This intermediary design eliminates direct friction between the item and base, preventing damage during removal while maintaining arrangement simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional base structures with pre-drilled holes are used, then manufacturing is simple, but creative flexibility in arrangement design is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into distinct components: a stem portion for base insertion and a holder portion for item reception. This segmentation allows the holder to be designed in various shapes and configurations to accommodate different arrangement designs, while the stem maintains simple manufacturing for easy base insertion. The modular design enables creative flexibility without complicating manufacturing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed support structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to design arrangements in different shapes is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the stem to be flexible or bendable while maintaining structural stability. The holder can be positioned at various angles and orientations on the stem, enabling different arrangement shapes. This dynamic design maintains stability during use while allowing creative flexibility in design configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
What is provided is an apparatus for use in a decorative or edible arrangement, including a multiplicity of stem portions each having an upper end and a lower end, and holders each attached to the appropriate stem. Some holders comprise of spirally shaped receptacle mounted to the appropriate stems. The spirally shaped receptacle includes multiple coils surrounding a cavity. The coils have a hook attached at the end furthest from the elongated stem. The coils hold decorative or edible articles.