Stemware Rack with Flexible Arms for Variable Stem and Base Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stemware presents a unique storage challenge in passenger transit due to its shape and size variations, making it difficult to securely store without breakage, especially in environments like airplanes, ships, and trains where accessibility is needed.
Innovation Solution
A stemware rack design featuring a base plate, posts, and a retainer with elastic arms and feet that securely accommodate the stem and base of stemware, using a tapered and annular stem receiving space to prevent displacement, and a flexible material like polycarbonate resin for durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional storage methods are used for stemware, then storage simplicity is maintained, but stemware security and breakage prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage apparatus is divided into multiple independent compartments, each specifically designed to hold a single stemware item. Each compartment includes individual cushioning elements positioned to contact specific parts of the stemware (bowl, stem, base), providing targeted protection without requiring complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning elements are nested within the compartments, with foam inserts positioned inside the compartment space to provide shock absorption. The compartments themselves are nested within the larger storage apparatus structure, creating a hierarchical nested arrangement that maximizes protection while minimizing external complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal storage for all stemware types is implemented, then adaptability improves, but storage precision for specific dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each compartment is designed with specific local features including cushioning elements positioned at predetermined locations to contact specific parts of stemware (bowl, stem, base). The foam inserts are positioned to provide localized shock absorption at critical points, allowing the same compartment design to adapt to various stemware dimensions while maintaining precise protection at each contact point.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning elements are made of foam material that can change its density and firmness parameters to accommodate different stemware types. The foam can be compressed to adapt to various stemware dimensions while maintaining sufficient support, allowing a single compartment design to handle multiple stemware types with different dimensional parameters.
3Reliability
If rigid storage structures are used, then structural strength improves, but shock absorption and breakage prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Foam cushioning elements are pre-positioned within each compartment before stemware is stored. These cushioning elements are positioned to contact critical parts of the stemware (bowl, stem, base) and provide predetermined shock absorption. The cushioning is built into the compartment structure in advance, ensuring protection is immediately available when stemware is placed.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage apparatus combines rigid structural materials (for the compartment framework providing strength) with foam cushioning materials (for shock absorption). This composite construction allows the structure to maintain sufficient strength for structural integrity while the foam layers provide the necessary shock absorption to prevent breakage during transit.
4Ease of operation
If accessible storage is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but security during transit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stemware is pre-positioned in an upright orientation within each compartment during the loading process. The cushioning elements are pre-arranged to support the stemware in this upright position. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the storage apparatus is accessed or moved, the stemware remains securely in the protected upright position without requiring additional active securing 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 stemware rack effectively secures various types of stemware by accommodating different stem and base dimensions, preventing breakage and easy access, while meeting aviation safety standards with high-temperature tolerance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer with elastic arms and feet that securely accommodate the stem and base of stemware
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing one or more items of stemware includes a base plate, one or more posts, a retainer, and one or more feet. The feet and base plate cooperatively secure the base portion of the item of stemware, and the retainer includes arms defining a stem receiving space that secures the stem of the item of stemware. The feet are coupled to the arms. The arms are flexible so as to accommodate different sizes of stems and bases in stemware with a single rack.