Drip Catcher Base with Segmented Waste Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers often result in unsightly messes and safety hazards due to dripping and spilling, as traditional drip trays either require frequent emptying or relocation of the dispenser, leading to splashing and tripping hazards.
Innovation Solution
A drip catcher system that includes a base with a reservoir and guides, which collects liquid from the spout without needing to be moved for drainage, using a line to attach a waste container for easy emptying without disturbing the beverage dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional drip tray is used to catch spills, then liquid containment is improved, but the tray requires frequent emptying and relocation which causes splashing and tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray is divided into a stationary base portion and a removable waste container portion. The waste container can be detached and emptied independently without moving the entire drip tray or beverage dispenser, eliminating the need to relocate heavy liquid-filled trays while maintaining effective liquid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste collection function is extracted from the main drip tray structure. A separate waste container is attached via a removable connection mechanism, allowing the waste container to be removed and emptied without disturbing the beverage dispenser or requiring relocation of the entire system.
2Loss of substance
If the beverage dispenser is moved to empty the drip tray, then liquid disposal is achieved, but the dispenser relocation is difficult and may cause spills
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the waste container from the beverage dispenser, allowing the waste container to be emptied independently. This segmentation eliminates the need to move the beverage dispenser for emptying purposes, as the waste container can be removed and disposed of separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste container is extracted as a separate removable component from the beverage dispenser assembly. This allows waste disposal to be performed by removing and emptying the waste container without relocating the beverage dispenser, thereby avoiding the difficulty and spill risks associated with moving the dispenser.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cloth or paper towel is placed on the floor to intercept liquid, then liquid containment is improved, but splashing and overflow occur causing damage and tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray serves as an intermediary structure between the beverage dispenser and the floor. It provides a contained receptacle that intercepts drips and spills before they reach the floor, eliminating the need for cloths or paper towels that cause splashing and overflow. The tray's rigid structure prevents the harmful effects associated with flexible intercepting materials.
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 system effectively contains spills and drips without requiring the beverage dispenser to be moved, reducing mess and safety risks while allowing for easy disposal of collected liquid, enhancing both sanitation and operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The last few drops take longer to flow down that the filled cup remains below the spout
Implementation Method 2
The spouts on beverage containers such as coffee pots and water jugs notoriously drip
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for collecting drips from a spout on a beverage dispenser has a table top base that is held in place by the weight of a beverage dispenser. The table top base supports a drip catch reservoir, and drips hit a back plate with guides before washing into the drip catch reservoir. The drip catch reservoir has an outlet allowing drainage into a disposal tank without moving the apparatus.