Deck Post Cap Ashtray with Hinged Cover and Carbon Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ashtrays are not weatherproof, easily knocked over, and do not hide cigarette butts and ashes from view, posing a fire hazard and creating messes in outdoor settings.
Innovation Solution
A weatherproof ashtray device integrated into a deck post cap with a hinged cover and a carbon filter, designed to be securely mounted on a deck post, hiding the ashtray when not in use and preventing it from being knocked over, while also protecting against wind, rain, and snow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional ashtray is used outdoors, then it provides a place to dispose of cigarette butts and ashes, but it is susceptible to wind, rain, and snow causing ashes to fall on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ashtray with a deck post cap structure to create an integrated outdoor ashtray system. The deck post cap serves as both a structural element and a protective housing for the ashtray, merging two functions into one unified device that is inherently suited for outdoor deck environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The ashtray is nested within the deck post cap structure. The tray is positioned inside the cap's cavity, with the cap's walls and lid providing an enclosing protective environment. This nested arrangement allows the ashtray to benefit from the structural protection of the cap while maintaining its ash-receiving function.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional ashtray is placed in an accessible location, then it is easy to use, but it can be easily knocked off causing breakage and spreading ashes
Solution Approach 1:
The ashtray is merged with the deck post cap structure, which is inherently stable and difficult to knock over. By integrating the ashtray into this stable mounting structure, the device maintains high accessibility while gaining the stability and security of the deck post mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the ashtray from a standalone surface-level object to a vertically integrated structure mounted on a deck post. This dimensional change from horizontal placement to vertical mounting provides inherent stability while maintaining accessibility through the front-opening lid.
3Ease of operation
If a standard ashtray is used, then it provides ash disposal functionality, but it does not have a cover to hide cigarette butts and ashes from view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decorative deck post cap structure with the functional ashtray, combining aesthetic concealment with ash disposal. The cap's walls and lid naturally provide coverage and discretion, eliminating the need for separate cover mechanisms while enhancing the overall appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck post cap structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural mounting, weather protection, aesthetic concealment, and structural support for the ashtray. This multi-functional design achieves discretion and coverage without adding specialized components, thereby avoiding increased complexity.
4Reliability
If an ashtray is mounted securely on a deck post, then it prevents being knocked over, but it may still be damaged by wind, rain, and snow
Solution Approach 1:
The ashtray is nested within the protective cavity of the deck post cap, which shields it from direct exposure to weather elements. The cap's enclosed structure protects the ashtray from rain, snow, and wind damage while maintaining the stability benefits of secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck post cap acts as a protective shell enclosing the ashtray. This shell structure provides weatherproofing by creating a barrier between the ashtray and external environmental factors such as moisture and wind, preventing damage while maintaining structural integrity.
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 ashtray device provides a secure, weatherproof, and discreet solution for smoking outdoors, preventing ash and smoke odors from spreading and reducing the risk of fire hazards by concealing cigarette and cigar butts within the deck post cap.
Implementation Method 1
A carbon filter is removably disposed in the cap for removing odor of ash and smoke
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a weatherproof ashtray device having an improved ashtray concealed within a deck post cap. The cap is adapted to be placed on a top end of a deck post and configured to receive the tray or ashtray. The cap has a hinged cover that can be pivotally opened to access the ashtray for use. The ashtray remains secured inside the cap thereby eliminating risk of being knocked off. Further, the cover protects the ashtray from weather elements. The ashtray device enables the deck post to function as normal while offering a place for individuals to discreetly smoke and dispose of their ashes, cigarette butts, and cigar butts. The cap and ashtray are weatherproof to prevent damage due to wind, rain, snow, and other inclement weather.