Fidget Coaster With Planetary Gear System for Dual-Function Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not provide a spinner device that can function as a beverage coaster, failing to combine the fidgeting mechanism with the functionality of a drink coaster.
Innovation Solution
A fidget coaster made of finished wood and clear acrylic with a sprocket grip on the outside, featuring a planetary gear system that allows users to spin gears beneath the clear acrylic, providing a relaxing and focus-aiding mechanism while serving as a coaster for beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spinner device is designed for fidgeting entertainment, then it provides relaxation and concentration aid, but it cannot serve as a beverage coaster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fidget spinner mechanism with a coaster function by integrating the bearing assembly directly into the coaster structure. The first portion of the coaster body houses the bearing that supports the spinning element, allowing the device to simultaneously function as both a fidget toy and a beverage coaster. This merging of functions resolves the technical contradiction by making the device versatile without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coaster is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a beverage coaster to protect surfaces from drink condensation and spills, while simultaneously functioning as a fidget spinner for relaxation and concentration aid. The universal design allows the same object to fulfill different purposes, directly addressing the adaptability requirement while maintaining a unified structure.
2Ease of operation
If a planetary gear system is integrated into the coaster, then engaging fidgeting mechanism is achieved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear system is nested within the coaster body structure. The sun gear is positioned at the center, with planet gears orbiting around it, all contained within the bearing assembly that is integrated into the coaster. This nesting arrangement allows the complex gear mechanism to be housed within a compact form factor, providing engaging fidgeting action without proportionally increasing the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear system introduces dynamic movement to the coaster, allowing the planet gears to orbit the sun gear and create varied spinning patterns. This dynamic mechanism enhances the fidgeting engagement by providing multiple degrees of freedom and unpredictable motion, making the device more interesting to interact with while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the efficiency of planetary gearing.
Data Source
AI summary
A fidget coaster is a finished wood and clear acrylic disk. The fidget coaster has a sprocket grip on the outside which allows the user to spin gears on the inside beneath the clear acrylic. The inside is made up of a planetary gear and three smaller gears that rotate around another gear at the center. The activity of holding it and spinning it, or lightly turning it with a drink perched on it, is relaxing. It aids conversation and provides focus for people who need to occupy themselves with fidgeting to allow them to concentrate.