Novelty drinking vessel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing novelty drinking vessels with electronic displays lack integration and user experience due to separate, non-functional remote controls that can be easily lost and are not designed to withstand liquid or heat, limiting their novelty and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A drinking vessel with an electronic display unit and a remote control housing that is resistant to liquid and heat, allowing wireless communication and designed as a spoon or stirring stick for enhanced integration, featuring attachment interfaces to prevent loss and a rechargeable battery powered by thermoelectric conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate remote control unit is used to control the electronic display unit, then the display can be controlled wirelessly, but the remote control is easily lost and serves no other purpose, reducing novelty and user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the remote control unit with a spoon-shaped stirrer, merging two separate objects into one integrated item. The remote control circuitry is housed within the spoon body, allowing it to serve both as a functional stirrer and as a wireless remote control for the display unit, eliminating the risk of loss while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoon-shaped remote control serves multiple functions: it acts as a traditional stirrer for beverages, a wireless remote control for the display unit, and potentially a charging device when placed on the drinking vessel. This multi-functionality increases its value and reduces the need for separate items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the remote control is designed as a spoon for use in hot drinks, then it provides enhanced integration and functionality, but the housing must withstand liquid and heat which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a waterproof and heat-resistant housing structure that can be submerged in hot liquids. The housing is designed with sealed compartments and protective coatings that prevent liquid ingress while withstanding thermal stress, enabling the remote control to function as a stirrer in hot beverages without compromising internal electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoon-shaped remote control can be placed on the drinking vessel to charge its battery through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for external charging cables or ports. This self-charging capability simplifies the overall system design while maintaining the ability to withstand liquid and heat environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the remote control housing is made resistant to liquid and heat, then it can be used as a stirrer in hot drinks, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials for the spoon housing that combine heat-resistant and waterproof properties. The housing may incorporate materials such as silicone rubber, thermoplastics, or coated metals that provide both thermal resistance and liquid impermeability, enabling straightforward manufacturing through conventional molding or casting processes while meeting the required performance standards.
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 a functional and integrated remote control that can withstand liquid and heat, reducing the likelihood of loss and offering wireless control of the display unit, while maintaining novelty through attachment interfaces and alternative user input methods.
Implementation Method 1
the remote control is operable to wirelessly transmit instructions to the electronic display unit
Implementation Method 2
The rechargeable battery is rechargeable in use by current generated by the thermoelectric semiconductor as it transfers heat from a first end of the remote control housing submerged in hot liquid to a second end of the remote control housing which is not submerged in hot liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A drinking vessel comprising: a first attachment interface; an electronic display unit having a display screen and comprising a second attachment interface; and a remote control comprising remote control circuitry within a remote control housing; wherein: the first and second attachment interfaces are configured to cooperate to releasably attach the electronic display unit to the drinking vessel; the remote control is operable to wirelessly transmit instructions to the electronic display unit, including instructions relating to the content displayed on the display screen; the remote control housing is resistant to ingress of liquid when submerged in liquid at least up to the maximum depth containable by the drinking vessel; and the remote control housing is resistant to heat so as to protect the remote control circuitry from damage when the remote control housing is submerged in liquids heated to up to 100 degrees Celsius.