Multi-function cup coaster
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink coasters lack functionality beyond providing a resting spot and surface protection, failing to incorporate features like lighting, sound, and fragrance, which could enhance user experience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional coaster that emits light, sound, and/or fragrance upon placing or removing a drinking vessel, utilizing a base with a battery, circuit, and decorative body with integrated emitters, powered by solar or manual sources, and triggered by tactile engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional simple coaster structure is used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are low, but functionality and user experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coaster integrates multiple functions including light emitter, sound emitter, fragrance emitter, and wireless charging capabilities into a single device. The base unit serves as both a protective coaster and a hub for various electronic functions, allowing one object to perform multiple roles that would traditionally require separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions (coaster protection, lighting, sound output, fragrance diffusion, and wireless charging) into a single integrated base unit. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by achieving versatility through consolidation rather than through multiple separate components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple emitters (light, sound, fragrance) are integrated into the coaster, then user experience is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coaster system is divided into separable components: a base unit containing the emitters and electronics, and removable decorative toppers. This segmentation allows the complex electronic base to be manufactured and tested independently, while the simpler toppers can be produced through traditional crafting methods, easing overall manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different topper configurations and serve multiple functions (lighting, sound, fragrance, charging). This universal base design simplifies manufacturing by creating a standardized platform that reduces the need for custom manufacturing for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coaster includes battery and electronic components, then lighting, sound, and fragrance features are enabled, but weight and size of the coaster increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coaster is segmented into a compact base containing the battery and electronics, with lightweight removable toppers. This segmentation concentrates the necessary weight-bearing electronic components in a small base while keeping the visible decorative portions lightweight, minimizing the overall weight increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat coasters to three-dimensional vertical structures with elevated toppers extending upward from the base. This dimensional change allows the electronic base to be compact and low-profile while the decorative elements extend vertically, maximizing feature density without proportionally increasing overall footprint or weight
4Extent of automation
If tactile engagement triggering is implemented, then automated interaction is improved, but reliability and false activation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coaster incorporates sensors that detect tactile engagement and provide feedback to control the activation of emitters. The system monitors touch duration, pressure, and patterns to distinguish between intentional activation and accidental contact, improving reliability through feedback-based discrimination
Solution Approach 2:
The coaster enters a standby state with sensors continuously monitoring for tactile engagement. When touched, the system prepares for activation and uses brief touch detection to trigger functions, allowing preliminary detection and confirmation before full activation to prevent false triggering
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
Enhances user experience by providing visually, audibly, and olfactorily engaging interactions with the coaster, offering customizable timing for feature activation and diverse decorative designs.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter that emits light
Implementation Method 2
a sound emitter that emits sound
Implementation Method 3
a fragrance emitter that emits fragrance
Implementation Method 4
powered by solar or manual sources
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional coaster for a cup or other vessel includes a base upon which the vessel can rest upside down, and a decorative body extending away from the base. The decorative body has at least a first electrically powered signal emitter, which preferably include a light emitter and a sound emitter. The decorative body and/or base can also include a fragrance emitter.