Pineapple drinking vessel and related methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tropical drink containers, such as cored-out pineapples, are impractical for handling due to their prickly surface and lack of a secure handle attachment, making them difficult to use as mug-type drinking vessels.
Innovation Solution
A handle attachment apparatus comprising a vertical stanchion secured to the side of a cored pineapple, with a U-channel and base plate for stability, and an adjustable telescoping mechanism to accommodate varying pineapple sizes, allowing for easy attachment and secure handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pineapple is used as a drinking vessel without a handle, then the tropical aesthetic and natural appearance are maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the prickly surface and lack of secure handling
Solution Approach 1:
A handle assembly serves as an intermediary component between the user's hand and the pineapple body. The handle includes a grip portion for finger placement and a stanchion that attaches to the pineapple, mediating the contact between the user and the prickly surface to enable secure handling while preserving the pineapple's natural appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling function is segmented from the pineapple body by adding a separate handle assembly. This segmentation allows the pineapple to maintain its natural aesthetic while the handle provides the necessary ergonomic features for secure gripping, separating the aesthetic function from the operational function.
2Ease of operation
If a handle is attached to a cored pineapple, then the ease of operation improves for mug-type drinking, but the device complexity increases due to the attachment apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the grip portion for handling, the stanchion for attachment, and the securing mechanism all form one cohesive assembly that attaches to the pineapple as a unified unit, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment apparatus utilizes the pineapple's own structural features (the core cavity and outer surface) to secure the handle. The stanchion fits into the core cavity and is secured using the pineapple's natural geometry, allowing the pineapple itself to participate in the attachment process rather than requiring external fastening mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to fix the handle to the pineapple, then the reliability improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to the complex attachment apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The core cavity is prepared in advance during the coring process, creating a pre-formed receptacle that accepts the stanchion. This preliminary action of coring the pineapple before handle attachment simplifies the manufacturing process by preparing the attachment interface in advance, while still ensuring reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stanchion acts as an intermediary component that bridges the handle and the pineapple body. It translates the securing forces from the grip portion into stable attachment within the core cavity, providing reliable connection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through its straightforward cylindrical design.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle attachable to a cored-out pineapple is disclosed herein, resulting in a unique drinking vessel, particularly, as preparation of a tropical style drink. The solution provides for secure affixation as well as easy attachment and removal. Additionally, an efficient method for attaching a handle to a pineapple or other hollowed out fruit is also introduced herein.