The preliminary idea of my teapot linked to the design of a skull.
However, a "good" design requires more than an aesthetic base, it needs to be practical apart from its visual appearance. This realization comes with laying out clear design evaluation criteria. Since, this particular design did not have a great potential to support the practical side (only satisfied the criteria "aesthetically pleasing") the design has been abandoned (for now).
Drawing of a skull by me
However, a "good" design requires more than an aesthetic base, it needs to be practical apart from its visual appearance. This realization comes with laying out clear design evaluation criteria. Since, this particular design did not have a great potential to support the practical side (only satisfied the criteria "aesthetically pleasing") the design has been abandoned (for now).
Drawing of a skull by me
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/5/6/24563585/169575.jpg?585)
My first sketches included some basic teapot designs, such as the one on the left. This did not include the consideration of complicated mechanics and searching for solution - just becoming familiar with the shapes and dimensions.
I preferred the round shapes in searching for the right teapot, just like it is displayed in some traditional designs - globular body shape and rounded spout, handle and lid.
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/5/6/24563585/5980567.jpg?275)
The teapot that combines the body of the teapot with a cup - a practical idea, but has been explored previously.
It is usually very stable and also decorative. Yet it can easily lead to over-extraction.
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/5/6/24563585/6790340.jpg?267)
I have very much liked the idea of a teapot that is created for journeys, or any particular circumstance that would expose it to external forces.
This teapot would be attached to a metal structure that would held it over the surface beneath it.
The teapot would pivot in two directions, its centre of mass would keep it to the optimum postion, therefore it would be a handy thing to take it on a train or plane journey.
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/5/6/24563585/2573277.jpg?582)
Further ideas included a mechanical approach: to create a design by focusing on the design evaluation criteria outlined.
As well as that the idea of a prolonged teapot body occurred and since it seemed a good idea, I decided to stick to it.
(Later on, however, I could not manage to build the body with such an extraordinary shape).
This involved finding and rejecting ways to modify/stop filtration (in the picture: several filtration disks that turn to close and open the holes at the set angles).
As well as that the idea of a prolonged teapot body occurred and since it seemed a good idea, I decided to stick to it.
(Later on, however, I could not manage to build the body with such an extraordinary shape).
This involved finding and rejecting ways to modify/stop filtration (in the picture: several filtration disks that turn to close and open the holes at the set angles).
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/5/6/24563585/3773493.jpg?460)
The tea leaves were also located in a removable cup at the bottom of the teapot, creating further difficulties (such as the need of dynamics in the water to mix thoroughly).
Exploring this direction, I tried to come up with a practical solution for the problems identified and also form it into a presentable teapot.
My ideal teapot, however, does not make life any easier and somehow it has its own good qualities.
My attempts to improve the issues with the previous design resulted in a new approach:
The tea leaves are still positioned at the bottom of the teapot, however, this time it's a combination of a cylinder and a suitable pattern of holes at the bottom of the body. This allows the regulation of the amount of water into the leaf cup (which can potentially benefit the brew if used according to the instructions). The following pictures show the schematic design of the teapot from different perspectives.
The tea leaves are still positioned at the bottom of the teapot, however, this time it's a combination of a cylinder and a suitable pattern of holes at the bottom of the body. This allows the regulation of the amount of water into the leaf cup (which can potentially benefit the brew if used according to the instructions). The following pictures show the schematic design of the teapot from different perspectives.
The water is poured in through the cylinder which is hollow. The water moves to the Cup at the bottom and the tea can start brewing.
The water then moves up through the matching holes of the teapot Body and Cylinder back to the Body
The hollow Cylinder
The Body from above, displaying the holes of both the Body (bigger holes) and the Filter (smaller holes)
The Filter - the idea is abandoned in the final prototype
Cross-section of the Body from its side
Actual Body from below
Progress from an initial structure that did not deliver a watertight structure > to the threaded helix Cup which functions better than the previous design