Stemware Retention Device with Resilient Panels to Prevent Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retention devices for stemware lack a mechanism to prevent tipping by engaging the base of the stemware, which can lead to instability during use.
Innovation Solution
A retention device featuring a planar plate with slots bracketed by resilient panels that engage the base of stemware when the stem is inserted, preventing tipping by supporting the stemware above a horizontal surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a simple slotted plate is used for stemware retention, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the stemware is insufficient allowing tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device is segmented into distinct functional components: a plate with slots for stem insertion, and separate resilient panels that engage the base of the stemware. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing stability through the panels while maintaining simplicity in the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the retention mechanism by extending resilient panels downward from the plate to engage the base of the stemware. This dimensional addition provides anti-tipping stability without significantly increasing horizontal complexity, as the panels operate in the vertical space beneath the plate.
2Reliability
If resilient panels are added to bracket each slot, then the stability and anti-tipping capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient panels are designed to automatically engage the base of the stemware when the stem is inserted into the slot. The panels flex outward as the stem is inserted and then spring back to contact and hold the base of the stemware. This self-service mechanism provides reliable retention without requiring manual adjustment or complex actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient panels utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter change. The panels are made of flexible material that can bend outward during stem insertion and then return to their original shape to engage the stemware base. This parameter change (from flexible to rigid contact) provides reliable retention while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the plate is supported above the tabletop surface, then the stability against tipping is improved, but the device complexity increases due to spacing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing elements are pre-attached to the plate in a fixed configuration, establishing the correct height and orientation of the plate above the tabletop before the stemware is even placed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the resilient panels are at the optimal height to engage the base of various stemware items, providing stability without requiring adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing elements act as intermediaries between the plate and the tabletop surface. These elements provide a fixed distance support that elevates the plate and allows the resilient panels to extend downward and engage the stemware base. The spacing elements mediate the relationship between the plate structure and the table surface, enabling the anti-tipping function.
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
Effectively inhibits the tipping of stemware relative to a tabletop, ensuring stability during use, even with minor disturbances like bumping or wind exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The panels are resiliently flexible so that each pair of panels is configured to engage a base of a respective article of stemware as a stem of the respective article of stemware is inserted into a respective slot
Data Source
AI summary
A stemware retention device for preventing tipping of stemware includes a first plate, which is substantially planar. Each slot of a set of slots extends into the first plate from its perimeter. A spacing element, which is attached to and which extends from a lower face of the first plate, supports the first plate above a substantially horizontal surface, such as a tabletop. A plurality of panels is attached to from the first plate's lower face so that each slot is bracketed by a pair of panels. Each panel extends from the first plate to proximate to the substantially horizontal surface. The panels are resiliently flexible so that each pair of panels can engage a base of an article of stemware as its stem is inserted into a respective slot. Thus, tipping of the article of stemware relative to the substantially horizontal surface is inhibited.