Liquid-Activated Drink Infuser PCB for Automatic Beverage Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighted items for beverage illumination require user interaction or pre-activation, lacking internal liquid-activation and flavor infusion capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a shell, base, and printed circuit board (PCB) that illuminates upon submersion in liquid, using conductive probes and a transistor circuit to create a liquid-activated switch, and optionally includes a soluble substance for flavor infusion, ensuring safe and decorative functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a glow-stick or pre-lit device is used for beverage illumination, then the beverage can be illuminated, but user interaction or pre-activation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically activates when placed in liquid without requiring user interaction. The liquid itself completes the circuit between conductive probes, turning on the LED illumination automatically. This eliminates the need for switches, buttons, or pre-activation steps while maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical switching mechanism (buttons, switches, or manual activation) is replaced by an automatic electrical circuit completion mechanism. The liquid acts as a conductor to complete the circuit between probes, substituting manual mechanical activation with an automatic electrical response.
2Extent of automation
If conductive probes and liquid-activated circuit are used, then automatic activation is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex circuit control logic is extracted and minimized to only essential components: power source, LED, and conductive probes. The liquid-activated switch functionality is achieved through simple probe placement and circuit design rather than complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured: basic conductive probes, standard LED, and simple circuit board. These components are designed for single-use or limited-use scenarios where complexity is minimized for ease of manufacturing and disposal.
3Ease of operation
If openings are strategically placed in shell and base, then liquid entry and sinking are facilitated, but device sealing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components (shell, base, circuit board assembly) that can be manufactured and sealed independently. Openings are strategically placed in specific segments to control liquid entry paths while maintaining sealing integrity in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the device have different sealing requirements. The shell and base have openings for liquid entry, while the circuit board housing maintains tight sealing to protect electronics. Each component is designed with localized sealing characteristics appropriate to its function.
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 provides a safe, decorative, and functional means to illuminate beverages internally, with automatic activation and deactivation based on liquid presence, and facilitates flavor infusion, enhancing user experience and service efficiency in settings like bars and restaurants.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the presence of a liquid acts as a switch by creating a bridge that closes the circuit, and in turn, illuminates the device
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting diode (LED), at least one conductive probe, and a minimum of one transistor circuit
Implementation Method 3
the device may be fitted with a soluble substance within the shell of the liquid-activated light and infusing apparatus which is dispersed throughout the liquid upon insertion by use of the strategically placed openings located on the shell and lower section of the base
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus for a liquid-activated, lighted and flavored drink infuser. The invention enhances the beverage and drink experience for any user by providing a liquid-activated, lighted, flavored drink infuser that, when placed in liquid, will light up and/or release into the liquid specific contents inside the infuser, such as flavoring(s) and/or medicine(s).