Drink Container Support Connection to Prevent Toppling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee and tea pots with piston filter arrangements often topple over when placing the piston filter, leading to unstable handling and potential spills or breakage, especially due to high production tolerances and material relaxation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a container with a connection element that can be fastened to a support unit, allowing the container to be securely fixed in the support space independently of production tolerances, using a suction cup or screw connection for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is held in the support space by frictional engagement between the container and the wall structure, then the container is stabilized to prevent toppling, but the container may release uncontrollably due to high production tolerances and material relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
A connection element is introduced as an intermediary component between the container and the support unit. This connection element comprises a connection body with a connection surface that engages with a corresponding connection surface on the container, providing a positive mechanical interlock that is independent of the dimensional tolerances of the container and wall structure. The intermediary connection element transfers and distributes forces uniformly, ensuring reliable fixation without being affected by manufacturing variations in the primary components.
2Force
If the wall structure is dimensioned with a small undersize with respect to the container to create frictional engagement, then the container is held securely, but the frictional engagement is insufficient when production tolerances vary
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-based mechanical engagement system is replaced with a positive interlock system using the connection element. Instead of relying on friction force generated by dimensional interference, the connection element provides direct mechanical engagement through interlocking connection surfaces. This substitution eliminates the variability inherent in friction-based systems and provides consistent, reliable fixation across different production batches.
3Reliability
If the container is securely fixed using frictional engagement, then stability is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to material relaxation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed with inherent compliance and stress distribution features that compensate for material relaxation before it causes failure. The connection body distributes loads across multiple contact points and includes stress-relief geometries that accommodate dimensional changes in the container and support unit over time. This beforehand cushioning prevents the accumulation of stresses that would lead to sudden release or failure.
4Reliability
If a connection element is added to secure the container, then fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed to combine multiple functions in a single component: it provides mechanical interlocking through engagement surfaces, distributes loads through its structural geometry, and accommodates dimensional variations through its compliant design. By merging these functions into one integrated element rather than using separate components for each function, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving reliable fixation.
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 device ensures secure and stable handling of the container, preventing uncontrolled releases and spills, even when pouring liquids, and allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The connection element (42) is designed as a suction cup (46)
Implementation Method 2
a certain friction acts between the container and the wall structure, whereby the container is held in the support space by frictional engagement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for handling a drinkable liquid, in particular tea and coffee, comprising: a container (12), which has an outer surface (14) and an inner surface (16), wherein the inner surface (16) surrounds a receiving chamber (26) into which a drinkable liquid can be introduced and from which the drinkable liquid can be removed; a support unit (28) having a wall structure (30), wherein the wall structure (30) surrounds a support space (32) into which the container (12) can be at least partially introduced; and a connecting element (42), which can be fastened to the support unit (28) and can be brought into contact with the outer surface (14) such that the container (12) is fixed in the support space (32) when the container (12) is introduced into the support space (32) and the connecting element (42) is fastened to the support unit (28).