Condensation-Collecting Beverage Container Base for Stable Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage containers, such as glasses and tumblers, often result in moisture accumulation on their lower surfaces due to condensation, leading to staining and damage on furniture, and existing solutions like coasters are inconvenient and prone to spills.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container design featuring a liquid collection device that directs excess moisture from the external surface into a reservoir, preventing it from reaching the base and incorporating a support portion with a stem for stability, and optionally using an absorbent element for additional liquid retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a coaster is used to prevent moisture damage, then furniture is protected from staining, but the beverage container becomes less stable and coasters are easily forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the base (collecting and dripping moisture) is extracted by introducing a separate liquid collection device. The base is modified to include a reservoir that captures condensation before it can reach the furniture, eliminating the need for external coasters while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid collection function is merged with the base structure itself. The reservoir is integrated into the base, combining the support function with the moisture collection function in a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate coasters.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base is lowered to improve stability, then the container is less likely to tip over, but moisture accumulates on the lower surface causing staining
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into functional zones: a lower support portion that provides stability and an upper liquid collection portion with a reservoir that captures moisture. This segmentation allows the base to simultaneously maintain low height for stability while preventing moisture accumulation through the integrated reservoir system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an absorbent element is added to the base, then moisture collection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An absorbent element is introduced as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the external environment. This element manages moisture within the reservoir system, preventing overflow and leakage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through its integration with the existing reservoir.
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 container effectively prevents moisture accumulation on its lower surface, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of staining, eliminating the need for coasters and ensuring the container remains upright during use.
Implementation Method 1
The upper surface of the liquid collection device is downwardly sloped in an inward direction for preventing or limiting spillage during tilting of the beverage container
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container for preventing or inhibiting moisture collection on a lower surface thereof the beverage container comprising a liquid receptacle portion for containing a beverage, the liquid receptacle portion having inner and external surfaces defined by at least one upstanding wall and a base; a support portion disposed below the base of the liquid receptacle portion; and a liquid collection device interposed between the liquid receptacle portion and the support portion for in-use collecting excess liquid present on the external surface of the liquid receptacle portion.