Biodegradable Wax-Based Urn Composition for Ash Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biodegradable funeral urns face challenges in maintaining the integrity of cremated remains until the plant is ready to absorb them naturally, often requiring chemical treatment or non-environmentally friendly materials, and struggle with secure sealing due to material limitations.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable wax-based composition comprising environmentally friendly waxes, particles, and oils or natural dyes, which allows the urn to isolate ashes from plant roots until the plant is ready and provides a secure, hermetic seal using the wax's melting properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If existing biodegradable materials are used for funeral urns, then the urn can naturally decompose in the soil, but the material decomposes too quickly and cannot maintain integrity until the plant is ready to absorb ashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using wax-based composition with specific melting points and biodegradation rates. The wax formulation allows the urn to maintain structural integrity at lower temperatures while gradually decomposing at controlled rates as temperatures rise, providing extended protection until plant readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining wax with natural fibers and biodegradable binding agents. This composite structure provides both the durability needed to protect ashes during the waiting period and the biodegradability required for eventual decomposition, resolving the contradiction between longevity and environmental friendliness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical compounds are added to neutralize ash pH for plant growth, then the plant can safely absorb nutrients, but the environmental friendliness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - a natural buffer system made from organic materials like ground bone, eggshells, or limestone particles incorporated into the wax composition. This intermediary gradually neutralizes the acidic ash pH through natural chemical reactions, protecting the plant without introducing harmful synthetic chemicals into the environment.
3Reliability
If screws are used to secure the lid, then the seal is secure, but the biodegradable material cannot accommodate traditional fastening methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-fastening system with a thermal sealing system. The wax material is heated above its melting point during assembly, allowing the lid and body to be joined together. As the wax cools and solidifies, it creates a secure, hermetic seal without requiring any metal fasteners that would interfere with biodegradation.
4Reliability
If glue is used to secure the lid, then the seal is achieved, but additional non-toxic glue or fish glue is required as an additional step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and the structural material function into a single integrated system. The wax composition serves both as the primary structural material of the urn and as the sealing agent. When heated, the wax becomes pliable and bonds the lid to the body, eliminating the need for separate glue applications and simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 wax-based composition ensures natural absorption of ashes by the plant without chemical intervention and maintains a secure seal, enhancing the environmental friendliness and ceremonial experience.
Implementation Method 1
the urn to isolate ashes from plant roots until the plant is ready
Implementation Method 2
provides a secure, hermetic seal using the wax's melting properties
Implementation Method 3
Biodegradable urns are a recent innovation. These urns are designed to naturally decompose in the soil, leaving no trace
Implementation Method 4
the plant develops and can safely absorb the nutrients present in the cremation ashes
Data Source
AI summary
A composition useful for the preparation of a biodegradable material, in which its components are environmentally friendly. The composition comprises: 20 to 100 wt. % of environmentally friendly wax; 0 to 80 wt. % of environmentally friendly particles; and 0 to 20 wt. % of oils, essential oils, natural dyes or natural flavorings. The use of such composition as a material for biodegradable articles, such as a Funeral Urn.