Adjustable Ashtray With Tiltable False Bottom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ashtrays face challenges in safety and comfort, particularly at temporary locations due to wind dispersal of smoking materials, lack of versatility in accommodating different smoking products, and inefficient cleaning processes, which pose health and operational burdens.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable ashtray with a false bottom and adjustable fingers that can securely hold various smoking products, featuring a rotating valve for ash disposal and a base for stability, allowing for ergonomic use on different surfaces and reducing ash dispersal and cleaning needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an ashtray is designed to accommodate a singular smoking product, then the ashtray structure can be simplified, but the ashtray cannot accommodate various smoking products of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The ashtray incorporates adjustable fingers that can be positioned at different heights and angles to accommodate various smoking products. The false bottom can be tilted to different positions, and the fingers can be adjusted individually, allowing the same ashtray structure to adapt to different product sizes and shapes without requiring multiple specialized ashtrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The ashtray is designed with universal components that can handle multiple smoking products simultaneously. The adjustable fingers and tiltable false bottom work together to provide a single multi-functional ashtray that can accommodate cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and vaporizers, eliminating the need for separate ashtrays for each product type.
2Ease of operation
If an ashtray is used without a table or platform, then the ashtray can be portable and easily deployed, but the user must constantly bend over or awkwardly hold the ashtray
Solution Approach 1:
The ashtray incorporates an elevating member that can be adjusted to different heights, allowing the user to position the ashtray at an ergonomic height for smoking. The tiltable false bottom can be adjusted to different angles to accommodate various smoking positions. These dynamic adjustments eliminate the need for constant bending or awkward holding while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ashtray is divided into separate functional components: a base unit for stability, an elevating member for height adjustment, and a false bottom for ash disposal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide ergonomic comfort without requiring a table or platform.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ash is disposed of by dumping it out, then the ashtray can be cleaned quickly, but ash can be dispersal by wind creating fire and pollution hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable false bottom acts as an intermediary mechanism between the ash accumulation chamber and the exterior. Instead of directly dumping ash out, the false bottom can be tilted to control ash discharge, preventing wind dispersal while allowing managed ash removal. This intermediary structure eliminates the harmful effects of uncontrolled ash dispersal while maintaining efficient cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The ashtray design allows users to control ash disposal through the tiltable false bottom mechanism. Users can tilt the false bottom to dump ash when full, and the design includes features to prevent ash dispersal during normal use. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for frequent cleaning while preventing fire and pollution hazards.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ashtray is designed for elevated free-standing use, then the ashtray can be used on various surfaces, but the ashtray may be unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The ashtray is segmented into a stable base unit and an elevating member. The base unit is designed with a wide, stable footprint to provide stability on various surfaces, while the elevating member can be adjusted to different heights and positions. This segmentation allows the ashtray to be stable when on the surface while still providing elevated use and adaptability to different surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an ashtray for multiple smoking products which can be used at impromptu events such as cigar “pop-ups.” The ashtray can secure multiple smoking products through the use of flexible fingers. Ash accumulated within the ashtray can be safely deposited into an internal compartment by activating a false bottom, which prevents ash dispersal via wind, thus reducing the probability of potential fire hazards.