Cremated Ash Release Mechanism with Annular Members for Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for scattering cremated ashes release them rapidly, resulting in a brief ash scattering event that fails to provide a visually appealing and dramatic effect desired by relatives and friends of the deceased.
Innovation Solution
A device with a release mechanism comprising an annular outer and inner member that translates relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis, controlling the release of cremated ashes through a controlled actuator arrangement, including a linear actuator and stepper motor, to manage the release rate and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If cremated ashes are released rapidly from the device, then the release mechanism is simple, but the ash scattering event lasts a short time and lacks visual appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into an inner member and an outer member that can move independently relative to each other. The inner member includes an annular sloping surface that divides and controls the flow path of cremated ashes, allowing controlled release over an extended period while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the inner member can move axially relative to the outer member. This dynamic adjustment allows control over the release rate and duration of ash scattering, extending the event time while managing device complexity through a single degree of freedom movement.
2Productivity
If the release mechanism uses a simple structure, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the release rate of cremated ashes cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into separable inner and outer members with specific geometric features (annular sloping surfaces) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard processes while achieving controlled release through their relative positioning and geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The release rate is controlled by changing the geometric parameters of the annular sloping surfaces and the axial distance between the inner and outer members. By adjusting these parameters, the release characteristics can be optimized without requiring complex active control systems, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving productivity control.
3Quantity of substance
If the inner member and outer member are positioned close together, then the device volume is reduced, but the outlet is covered and ash release is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism uses dynamic axial movement of the inner member relative to the outer member to control the effective release area. When the inner member moves axially, the annular sloping surface creates a varying gap that controls both the volume of ash released and the overall footprint of the mechanism, achieving a balance between release quantity and device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The control of ash release is achieved by utilizing the axial dimension for the inner member's movement, which then radially controls the gap width for ash flow. This dimensional transformation allows compact packaging in the radial direction while providing control authority in the axial direction, maximizing ash release volume within a constrained device volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for automatically releasing cremated ashes, including a chamber for containing cremated ashes; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release cremated ashes contained in the chamber to the external environment. The release mechanism includes an annular outer member, and an inner member at least partially radially inward of the outer member. The outer member includes an outlet from the chamber. The release mechanism is configured to translate the inner member and the outer member relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis from a first relative position, in which release of cremated ashes in the chamber through the outlet is inhibited, to a second relative position, in which release of cremated ashes in the chamber through the outlet is enabled. In the first relative position, the inner member is in contact with the outer member so as to cover the outlet. In the second relative position, the inner member is spaced from the outer member.