Mechanical Beverage Coaster With Drain Holes and Removable Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage coasters become ineffective when saturated, as they lack a mechanism for moisture removal and are not easily disassembled for cleaning or replacement of the moisture-absorbing insert.

Innovation Solution

A beverage coaster design featuring a top surface with recessed drain holes and a bottom surface with an inner chamber for a moisture-absorbing insert, allowing for easy expulsion of excess moisture and disassembly via lock and release tabs for cleaning or insert replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a moisture absorbing insert is placed in a water proof support, then the coaster can absorb moisture effectively, but the coaster cannot be disassembled for cleaning or replacement of the insert

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning and insert replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coaster is divided into separate components: a waterproof support structure and a removable moisture-absorbing insert. The support includes a recessed cavity that receives the insert, and the insert can be removed through an opening in the top surface. This segmentation allows the insert to be cleaned or replaced independently while maintaining the structural integrity of the support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The moisture-absorbing insert is extracted as a separate, removable component from the waterproof support. The support structure includes a cavity that holds the insert but allows it to be taken out through a designated opening. This extraction enables the insert to be removed for cleaning or replacement without damaging the support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If excess moisture accumulates in the coaster, then the coaster remains effective at absorbing moisture, but the coaster becomes over saturated and loses effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption capacityVSAvoidcoaster effectiveness duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coaster design enables the moisture-absorbing insert to be removed and cleaned to discard accumulated moisture. The waterproof support structure includes drain holes that allow water to drain away from the insert cavity. This discarding mechanism prevents over-saturation and restores the coaster's moisture absorption effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If the top surface is flat and contacts the surface directly, then the coaster provides stable support, but moisture cannot be effectively drained from the coaster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoaster stabilityVSAvoidmoisture damage to surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom surface of the waterproof support includes extracted drain holes that create drainage pathways. These holes allow moisture to be extracted from the coaster structure and drain away, preventing moisture from damaging the supporting surface while maintaining the coaster's stability through the recessed cavity design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 coaster effectively prevents surface damage by allowing for the removal of excess moisture and facilitates easy maintenance by enabling the user to expel moisture through drain holes and disassemble the coaster for cleaning or insert replacement.

Implementation Method 1

a water absorbing material could be placed in a water proof support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of drain holes to allow moisture from the beverage container to pass through

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

The bottom surface can be pushed upward by and user to contact insert to expel excess moisture out thru the drain holes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10010203B1Mechanical beverage coaster with insert and a means to empty excess moisture

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 VAUGHN WILLIAM HARLEY

AI summary

This is a drink coaster which incorporates a mechanical means to expel condensation collected from a cold drink that is supported by the coaster. This coaster compromises an injection molded non fragile plastic top surface with a plurality of drain holes, a highly porous insert in the middle and a base recessed for the insert and extra condensation that may be collected from the beverages. The base snaps into the top surface which allows this coaster to be disassembled for easy cleaning or for the insert to be replaced. This disassembly of the coaster allows a more effective way of cleaning the coaster thoroughly to prevent mold or musty odors with its use. The mechanical portion of the coaster allows pushing upwards from the bottom of coaster which contacts the insert to expel excess condensation out thru the drain holes at the top of the coaster.