Six industrial engineering seniors from the Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) in Quezon City have developed an innovative product called ‘HeatFlask’, which allows users to reheat food and drinks without the need for an oven or electrical heating device. Led by Allen Serrano and Francine Daphne Carigma, the team recently won the Outstanding Research of the Year and Best Commercialization Research awards at the 2023 Annual Research Awards (ARAW) hosted by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
The HeatFlask is a self-heating vessel made of stainless steel. It is specifically designed for people on-the-go who need to warm up canned food and drinks without access to a microwave or stove. The flask contains a heat pack that initiates the reheating process. The inspiration for the HeatFlask came from Carigma’s exposure to the food packaging industry, where she saw a similar reheating approach being used with boxes. She brought the idea to her team, and they worked together to develop and refine the product.
Although the HeatFlask is currently limited to canned goods, the team is already thinking about potential improvements for future designs. According to Carigma, they are exploring other alternative methods to heat up different types of food products.
The success of the HeatFlask can be attributed to the team’s commitment and the persuasive business model they created. Their adviser, Engr. Jaypy Tenerife, expressed his pride in their achievement, emphasizing the unique selling proposition that set their prototype apart from others.
In addition to the HeatFlask, another team of graduating civil engineering students from T.I.P. Manila made a notable submission to the ARAW awards. They secured the first runner-up position in the Best Scientific Research category with their study titled “Enhancing the Seismic Resilience of 42-Story Reinforced Concrete Structure with Fluid Viscous Damper System Using Modal Decomposition Method.” The study proposes a cost-effective solution for reinforcing high-rise buildings against earthquakes using energy-dissipating devices called fluid viscous dampers.
The fluid viscous dampers absorb vibrations or seismic waves, preventing cracks and significant property damage during earthquakes. Although their system may be pricey depending on the construction scale, it offers an efficient solution to the challenge of optimal damper placement that many engineers face. The team’s adviser, Engr. Dustin Glenn Cuevas, commended their choice of the modal decomposition method, highlighting its efficiency and consistent performance.
The 14th Annual Research Awards (ARAW) took place on July 25 at the PUP campus in Santa Mesa, Manila. The event, held in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), focused on the theme of “Resiliency and Sustainability in Times of Post-Pandemic: The Commitment of Serving the Country through Engineering, Science, and Technology.” A total of 97 submissions from schools nationwide were received, demonstrating the country’s dedication to innovative solutions even in challenging times.
