Multi-Walled Container With Adhesive-Free Sleeve Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-walled containers require chemical bonding or adhesive to attach the outer insulating sleeve to the inner base cup, leading to increased manufacturing complexity, cost, and environmental pollution due to non-compostable materials and adhesives.

Innovation Solution

A compostable container design featuring a mechanical locking sleeve that secures the outer insulating sleeve to the inner cup without adhesives, using embossments on the receptacle and sleeve to create a locking mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If chemical bonding or adhesive is used to attach the outer insulating sleeve to the inner base cup, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical bonding (adhesive) with a mechanical locking system consisting of an interlocking mechanism between the outer sleeve and inner cup. The mechanical lock features include a locking protrusion on the outer sleeve that engages with a corresponding locking groove on the inner cup, providing secure attachment without chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is divided into separable components (outer sleeve and inner cup) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled through the mechanical locking mechanism. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts and easier disassembly for recycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If chemical bonding or adhesive is used to attach the outer insulating sleeve to the inner base cup, then the connection strength is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to non-compostable materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates chemical adhesives by using a purely mechanical interlocking system. The locking protrusion and groove mechanism provides secure attachment without introducing non-compostable chemical substances into the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters of the container components to be fully compostable. Both the outer sleeve and inner cup are made from compostable materials, and the mechanical locking features are formed as integral parts of these compostable components, ensuring the entire assembly can decompose naturally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If conventional multi-walled containers are designed with outer insulating sleeve and inner cup, then thermal insulation is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed as separate outer sleeve and inner cup components that can be manufactured independently using standard forming processes, then assembled through the mechanical locking mechanism. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing of each individual part while achieving the thermal insulation benefit of multi-walled construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical locking system replaces complex adhesive application processes, eliminating the need for chemical bonding equipment, drying chambers, and quality control procedures for adhesive bonding. The mechanical lock can be assembled through simple insertion and engagement actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Simplifies manufacturing, reduces environmental impact by using compostable materials, and enables disassembly for recycling, while maintaining thermal insulation and user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate space defined between the receptacle and outer sleeve for insulating the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250296763A1Multi-walled container with mechanically locking outer sleeve

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 HUHTAMAKI INC

AI summary

A multi-walled container comprising a receptacle, an outer sleeve, and an intermediate space defined therebetween for insulating the container is provided. The receptacle includes a bottom wall and circumferential sidewall, the receptacle sidewall including at least one outwardly projecting embossment spaced below an upper edge of the receptacle. The outer sleeve has a circumferential sidewall including an inwardly projecting upper lip at the top end thereof. The inwardly projecting upper lip is positioned above and engages the at least one outwardly projecting embossment of the receptacle to define an intermediate space between the receptacle sidewall and outer sleeve sidewall and couple the outer sleeve to the receptacle.