Wednesday, August 6, 2003

Cyber-Mug, How To OK, a bit of a thought experiment on how to make an alpha version cyber-enhanced coffee mug. (One that has USB flash memory.) I think the classiest place to put the USB flash drive would be in a false base, accessible from the bottom of the mug. I'd considered having it part of the handle, or simply glued to the side, but it would be too awkward looking. Thus, the base's foot would have walls, but hollow on the inside. There would be a hole in the wall to allow a detachable USB extension cable to fit into the USB storage device. The base would need to be big enough to fit a USB strorage device. These are pretty small, once I bought one, I'd know the size of the base. Plus, one would need to add some insulation, means to attach it to the base, and a shroud or cover to keep the USB connection clean. (I would take off the cover that normally comes with the USB storage device to save room and allow for a more port like look to mug's.) If coffee was to be used in this mug, I think some kind of insulation would be needed to protect the USB storage device. I could cut up an old ensolite padand cram it in there. I'd think a pressure fit would work OK, and allow it to be easily removed for cleaning and heating. Next, would go the USB storage device, epoxied onto the insulation and positioned to allow access through a hole in the side of the base's wall. I'd put that just underneath the handle. I'd then glue in a shroud or partial cover to keep dust out of the connection. I'm tempted to create a cover all the way across the base, btw I am worried that the heat might build up from the beverage and damage the USB storage device. Keeping the base open, may make things cooler. ...and there you have it, remember to make the mug 10-15% bigger to allow for shrinkage in the firing. ...oh, and tell 'em you heard it here first. 12:53:30 PM