Polyurethane Embedding Method for Dishwasher-Safe Glassware Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting objects into glassware, such as LED lights in beer glasses, face issues with adhesives failing in dishwashers, and thermal expansion differences causing stress and breakage when incorporating non-glass materials into molten glass, limiting durability and washability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving forming a space in the glassware during production and using a two-component polyurethane filler, mixed from polyol and isocyanate, which is injected and oven-dried to securely embed objects like light sources, logos, or chips, ensuring dishwasher safety and minimizing thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used to attach LED light to the bottom of beer glass, then the LED light can be attached to the glass, but the adhesive loses its adhesive property in the dishwasher causing the LED light to separate from the glass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition and physical properties of the embedding material from traditional adhesives to a two-component polyurethane system (polyol and isocyanate) that cures to form a durable, heat-resistant matrix. This material maintains its bonding properties through dishwasher temperatures and mechanical agitation, resolving the contradiction between initial attachment strength and long-term reliability under thermal cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite embedding material composed of polyurethane resin mixed with glass powder or other fillers. This composite structure provides both strong adhesion to the glass substrate and resistance to thermal degradation, creating a material that simultaneously achieves strong bonding and dishwasher safety.
2Ease of manufacture
If non-glass materials are inserted into molten glass at high temperatures, then objects can be incorporated into the glass, but thermal expansion difference between glass and inserted material causes tension and breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the object into the glass while the glass is still warm and pliable, before complete cooling and rigidification. This timing allows the embedding material to set in a controlled manner, accommodating thermal expansion differences and preventing stress concentration that would lead to cracking during subsequent cooling cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter during the embedding process, maintaining the glass at an intermediate temperature state that is warm enough to be workable but cool enough to minimize thermal expansion mismatch. This controlled temperature parameter allows object incorporation without generating excessive thermal stress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LED light is attached using adhesive to create illuminated glassware, then advertisement and promotion purposes are achieved, but the glassware becomes unusable after dishwasher washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advertisement element (LED light) with the glassware structure by embedding it within the glass matrix itself rather than attaching it as a separate component. This integration ensures that the advertisement functionality becomes an inherent part of the glassware that cannot be separated during washing, simultaneously achieving both advertising versatility and washability.
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 solution securely attaches objects to glassware, preventing separation during washing and reducing thermal stress, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal for promotional or decorative purposes.
Implementation Method 1
using a two-component polyurethane filler, mixed from polyol and isocyanate
Implementation Method 2
which is injected and oven-dried to securely embed objects
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of inserting an object into glass, wherein said method is used for placing any type of decorative or functional material into the space, i.e. gap, formed at the bottom portions or side surfaces of household glassware products at room temperature, and/or performing two-dimensional printing by means of known printing techniques and thereafter filling with a transparent material, and thus producing a decorative and/or functional household glassware product, unlike the methods known in the state of the art.