Students from the Technological Institute of the Philippines have developed an innovative self-heating flask called ‘HeatFlask’ that allows users to reheat food and drinks on the go without the need for an oven or electrical heating device. The HeatFlask, crafted from stainless steel, features an embedded heat pack that initiates the reheating process.
The inspiration for the HeatFlask came from one of the students’ exposure to the food packaging industry, where they witnessed a similar reheating approach being used. The team saw an opportunity to create a portable and convenient solution for reheating canned goods without access to a stove or microwave oven. While the current design is limited to canned goods, the students hinted at potential improvements in future versions.
The HeatFlask recently received recognition at the Annual Research Awards (ARAW) hosted by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The product won the Outstanding Research of the Year and Best Commercialization Research awards, showcasing its potential in the market.
The success of the HeatFlask can be attributed to the students’ commitment and the persuasive business model they constructed. Their prototype’s unique selling proposition set it apart from other entries at the ARAW awards. The students’ adviser, Engr. Jaypy Tenerife, expressed his pride in their achievement and praised their dedication to developing a promising business concept.
In addition to the HeatFlask, another team of graduating students from T.I.P.’s Manila civil engineering program made waves at the ARAW awards. Their research titled Enhancing the Seismic Resilience of 42-Story Reinforced Concrete Structure with Fluid Viscous Damper System Using Modal Decomposition Method secured the first runner-up position in the Best Scientific Research category. The team proposed a cost-effective solution for reinforcing high-rise buildings against earthquakes using energy-dissipating devices called fluid viscous dampers. By absorbing vibrations and seismic waves, these dampers can prevent cracks and significant property damage. The team’s choice of the modal decomposition method was praised for its efficiency and consistent performance.
The ARAW awards, now in its 14th year, celebrated the theme of Resiliency and Sustainability in Times of Post-Pandemic: The Commitment of Serving the Country through Engineering, Science, and Technology. With 97 submissions from schools nationwide, the event showcased the country’s dedication to innovative solutions in challenging times.
The students’ accomplishments highlight the importance of innovation and research in addressing common problems in various industries. With their creative thinking and dedication, they have developed practical solutions that have the potential to improve the lives of many. As these young minds continue to push boundaries and come up with groundbreaking ideas, the future looks promising for advancements in engineering, science, and technology.
