Team Members & Role: 

Andreas Varsamis : Team Lead

Andrew Egan: Design Lead

Julia Bobka: Analysis Lead

Ian Vickery: Fabrication Lead

Nick Pomeroy: Evaluation Lead

Abstract:

Our project’s sole focus was to address the issues encountered in the cake decorating industry, especially focusing on individuals with physical or visual impairments and to add inclusivity in the design. The Ez-Icer 3 is designed as such to help beginners and individuals with physical or visual impairments effortlessly cut and ice cakes while minimizing hands on use. Our design includes a vertical rod with ¼” increments to facilitate with icing the cake, the increased stability of the cake when icing and cutting the cake, the upgraded clamps to reduce the slippage of the icing blades, an icing removal mechanism to remove excess icing, and the ability of the turntable to be manipulated by hand. All the above mentioned were achieved by utilizing course material covered throughout the years, performing calculations such as shear force analysis, deflection analysis, FEA analysis, CAD design (Solidworks), and many others, to ensure that the prototype will be safe to use. The use of engineering standards also ensured food safety and compliance with government regulations. Our approach to the new design of the Ez-Icer successfully addresses the limitations in the cake decorating industry, especially for individuals with any sort of impairment, by providing a solution that caters to the needs of both beginners in the industry and those impaired fostering inclusivity and enhancing the experience of the cake decoration.