Spill No More

Part 1: Drawing key lessons

Prototypes made from 3D printing are very appropriate. It demonstrated working functionality and some reliability. Design considerations like ease of installing for various cup sizes and shapes were good.

During development, Jie Hong identified 'water spill’ as the critical criteria and demonstrated his ability to evaluate versions of design using water flow simulation App. Five solutions were shared in which four were nicely constructed in CAD.

The project could be improved by using 3D printing of rubber material, supported by some consumer 3D printers. Rubber material is flexible, compliant to more sizes and meets the water tight requirement that Jie Hong was trying to overcome. Alternatively, Jie Hong may also include ‘spring-alike’ features to allow some stretching (as in figure).

Part 2: Exploring Possibilities

Jie Hong may explore using other science knowledge like capillary effect, magnet, floats, etc. Research more on fluid mechanics, may even look at the ‘sea’, how waves and its impacts were mitigated / reduced (via breakwater structures), there may be ideas and learning on using floats to reduce water from splashing out (need to research more). Take the chance to discover more about water and fluid.

Besides children and elderly, people with disabilities can benefit from similar products.