Adjustable Cup Sleeve With Pivot Rotation for Multi-Size Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable drink sleeves are not adaptable to different sized cups, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing, increased waste, and the need for frequent promotional stock changes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable sleeve with a conical configuration and closure device that allows inverse rotation, enabling it to fit various cup sizes and tapers by changing its diameter, made from materials like paperboard, plastic, or foam, and featuring thermal insulation and promotional graphics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-size sleeve is used, then manufacturing is simplified and costs are reduced, but it cannot fit different sized cups leading to increased waste
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism consisting of overlapping segments that can rotate relative to each other. This allows the sleeve to change its diameter and taper angle dynamically, enabling a single sleeve design to adapt to multiple cup sizes and shapes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is divided into multiple overlapping segments or panels that can move independently. This segmentation allows the sleeve to flex and adjust its configuration to match different container dimensions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sized sleeves are manufactured to fit different cups, then adaptability to various container sizes is improved, but manufacturing complexity and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable sleeve design provides universal fit capability for multiple cup sizes through a single sleeve type. The mechanism allows one sleeve design to perform the function of multiple fixed-size sleeves, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple promotional sleeve designs are produced, then promotional effectiveness is improved, but inventory management complexity and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable sleeve mechanism enables quick reconfiguration between different promotional designs. Rather than producing and managing multiple inventory types, businesses can use a single adjustable sleeve platform with interchangeable graphic surfaces, dramatically reducing inventory turnover time and waste
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
The adjustable sleeve reduces waste and manufacturing costs by accommodating multiple container sizes, provides thermal insulation, and facilitates quick promotional changes without the need for frequent inventory turnover.
Implementation Method 1
The closure device permits inverse rotation of the first end relative to the second end which translates into an inverse diameter change in the opening defined by the top edge and the opening defined by the bottom edge
Implementation Method 2
sleeves are sometimes used in conjunction with the cup to convey information such as advertising, branding, or promotions or to help isolate a hand of the user from a temperature of the contents of the cup
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable sleeve is disclosed that employs a pivot region which allows rotation of the first end of the sleeve relative to the second end of the sleeve. Rotation about the pivot region allows the sleeve size to adapt to many different sizes and tapers of containers. Rotation results in increasing a diameter of the top of the sleeve and decreasing a diameter of the bottom of the sleeve, and vice versa.