Multi-Piece Stemware with Magnetic Base Coupling for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-piece vessels with detachable bases face issues such as damage at attachment points, limited material options, insufficient coupling strength, thermal expansion discrepancies, and instability due to sizing limitations, which affect storage and usage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible vessel design featuring a magnetic coupling system between the base and body, including a stem with a magnetic element and a retention feature to prevent lateral movement, allowing for secure attachment, easy detachment, and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If compression, friction or threaded connections are used for attachment of base with vessel body, then the base and body can be connected, but damage occurs at attachment points and material options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connection systems (compression, friction, threaded connections) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Magnets embedded in the base and corresponding magnetic elements in the vessel body create secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners that cause stress concentrations and damage at attachment points.
2Strength
If compression, friction or threaded connections are used for attachment, then the base and body can be connected, but the number of suitable materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting mechanical attachment systems with magnetic attachment, the patent enables use of materials that would be incompatible with mechanical fastening. This includes fragile materials like glass and ceramic that cannot accommodate threaded holes or mechanical stress, as well as materials with varying thermal expansion properties that benefit from the stress-free magnetic connection.
3Volume of moving object
If the foot is sized to fit within the inner perimeter of the opening in the vessel body, then compact storage is achieved, but lateral sliding of the base relative to the vessel body occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force between the base and vessel body. This magnetic attraction provides lateral stability and prevents sliding, while allowing the foot to remain sized for compact storage within the vessel body's inner perimeter. The magnetic force acts as a stabilizing mediator without requiring increased foot dimensions.
4Ease of operation
If detachable base design is used, then separate storage and cleaning are enabled, but secure storage of base and body when separated is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system enables easy detachment for separate cleaning and storage, while the same magnetic force provides secure holding when components are stored together. The magnets allow the base and body to be easily separated when needed but maintain a secure, damage-free connection during storage, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms.
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 magnetic coupling enhances the strength and stability of the vessel, enabling freestanding use of the body, improved storage options, and compatibility with various materials, while reducing the risk of damage and allowing for secure stacking.
Implementation Method 1
a second magnetic element configured to form a magnetic coupling with the first magnetic element
Data Source
AI summary
In a general aspect, a multi-piece vessel can include a body defining an interior volume, and a base. The body can include a closed end, and an open end opposite the closed end. The base can have a foot arranged in a plane. The base can include a stem arranged along a longitudinal axis that is orthogonal to the plane, and a first magnetic element disposed at an end of the stem. The multi-piece vessel can also include an attachment assembly coupled with the closed end of the body, the attachment assembly having a second magnetic element configured to form a magnetic coupling with the first magnetic element, and a retention feature defined on a surface of the attachment assembly distal from the body.


