Formable Multi-Layer Drink Cover for Condensation Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drink covers and coasters fail to effectively manage and contain condensation on drinking vessels, often requiring a separate coaster or not being adaptable to various vessel shapes, and do not absorb moisture effectively.

Innovation Solution

A formable drink cover composed of a flexible absorbent layer, a shape-retaining impermeable layer, and an optional decorative layer, which can be molded around a vessel to create an absorbent barrier, preventing moisture from reaching the surface and allowing for adaptability to different shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a drink cover is designed to be formable and adaptable to various vessel shapes, then adaptability is improved, but the ability to effectively contain and absorb condensation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to vessel shapesVSAvoidcondensation containment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drink cover is divided into three distinct functional layers: an outer flexible layer for adaptability, a middle absorbent layer for condensation absorption, and an inner impermeable layer for moisture containment. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and containment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drink cover uses a composite structure combining materials with different properties: a flexible outer material for shaping, an absorbent middle material for moisture uptake, and an impermeable inner material for moisture barrier protection. This composite approach enables both adaptability and reliable condensation containment simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If an absorbent layer is made thick to improve absorption capacity, then condensation absorption is improved, but the device complexity and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidlayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent layer is positioned specifically between the outer flexible layer and the inner impermeable layer, creating a localized absorption zone where it is most needed. This targeted placement maximizes absorption capacity without requiring the entire structure to be thick or complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent layer acts as an intermediary between the condensation source (outer surface) and the protective inner layer. It intercepts and absorbs moisture before it can reach the impermeable layer, simplifying the overall structure by handling the absorption function in a dedicated intermediate zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a formable layer is made to retain its molded shape, then shape retention is improved, but the flexibility for molding deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape retentionVSAvoidmoldability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer layer is designed with dynamic properties that allow it to be flexible and moldable during application, then transition to a shape-retaining state once formed. This dynamic behavior enables the layer to adapt to various vessel shapes during molding while maintaining the molded shape during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The outer flexible layer functions as a thin film that can be easily molded around vessels of various shapes. Once molded, it retains the imposed shape while remaining flexible enough to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, resolving the contradiction between shape retention and moldability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution effectively absorbs and retains condensation, preventing it from reaching the surface, thus protecting surfaces and maintaining a dry environment, while being adaptable to various vessel shapes and reusable.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible absorbent layer... The absorbent layer may be adapted to be decorative and insulative

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The absorbent layer 22 is porous and capable of absorbing and retaining moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

The formable layer is impermeable, so that even a fully saturated absorbent layer does not result in any moisture on the decorative layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpermeability: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 4

the decorative and insulative layer may be adapted to be absorbent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10081160B2Multi-layered shape retaining absorbent material

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 OUTTADAWAY LLC

AI summary

A deformable shape retaining sheet of material is provided that can be formed around another object, such as a drinking vessel. The sheet has an absorbent layer, a shape retaining layer, and a decorative layer. The absorbent layer contacts the other object and absorbs any liquid that forms or leaks from the vessel. The shape retaining layer maintains the shape of the material to prevent it from falling away and also prevents any liquid that is present in the absorbent layer from moving to the decorative layer.