Liquid Vessel with Integrated Coaster to Trap Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensation forming on liquid containing vessels, such as glassware and plasticware, can cause damage to surfaces by dripping and soaking, necessitating the use of separate coasters that are inconvenient and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a trapping element, either as a highly porous adsorptive material or absorptive material, within the vessel's base or channel system that redirects and traps condensation droplets, eliminating the need for a separate coaster while maintaining the vessel's aesthetic and functional integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate coaster is placed under the liquid containing vessel, then condensation damage to surfaces is prevented, but convenience and aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coaster functionality directly into the liquid containing vessel by integrating an absorptive material layer into the base structure. This eliminates the need for a separate coaster while maintaining the condensation absorption function, thereby resolving the contradiction between preventing surface damage and maintaining convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The base of the liquid containing vessel is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support and condensation absorption. By incorporating an absorptive material layer into the base, the single component performs both traditional functions, eliminating the need for additional coasters and improving ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate coaster is placed under the liquid containing vessel, then condensation damage to surfaces is prevented, but aesthetic appearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coaster functionality is merged into the vessel base itself, creating a seamless integrated design. The absorptive material is incorporated within the base structure rather than being a separate visible component, maintaining aesthetic appearance while preventing condensation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorptive material is strategically placed only in the base region where condensation accumulates, rather than covering the entire vessel. This localized approach prevents surface damage while preserving the aesthetic appearance of the main vessel body.
3Ease of operation
If an integrated coaster is incorporated into the vessel base, then convenience and aesthetics are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer shell providing structural support and an inner absorptive material layer for condensation management. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorptive material layer utilizes porous structure to provide condensation absorption functionality. This material choice enables effective condensation management while maintaining a simple integrated design, avoiding the need for complex mechanical components.
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
Prevents condensation from dripping onto surfaces, ensuring the vessel and surface remain dry, and allows for dishwasher safety and reusability without compromising the vessel's appearance or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The trapping element comprises an adsorptive or absorptive material that removes the condensation from the outer surface of the vessel by adhering to the condensation (i.e., adsorption) or by soaking the condensation (i.e., absorption)
Implementation Method 2
The trapping element comprises an adsorptive or absorptive material that removes the condensation from the outer surface of the vessel by adhering to the condensation (i.e., adsorption) or by soaking the condensation (i.e., absorption)
Data Source
AI summary
Different liquid containing vessels with integrated coasters are provided. The liquid containing vessels have an upper portion, channel, base, and integrated coaster. The upper portion retains some amount of liquid. The channel is disposed beneath the upper portion and above the above the base. The channel is formed from a central stem connecting the upper portion to the base and a cavity that surrounds the stem for some radius that is less than a radius of the upper portion or base. Disposed in the channel is the integrated coaster. The integrated coaster is a trapping element that in some embodiments is a solid porous ring of an adsorptive or absorptive material. Condensation forming about the outer surface of the upper portion drips downwards towards the channel. The channel redirects the condensation to the trapping element where it is removed by the adsorptive or absorptive materials.