Multi-layer Beverage Cup Lid with Perforated Sip Hole

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage cup lids are prone to leakage and have unreliable sip holes, often requiring separate paper strips that can break or detach, leading to difficulties in opening the sip hole.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered lid structure with an inner and outer layer, where the outer layer is connected to the inner layer only at the sip hole area, allowing tearing to create a sip hole without leakage, and featuring a tear-off area for easy opening, reducing the need for a separate paper strip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single layer paper lid is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lid is susceptible to leakage and the paper strip can break or detach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidleakage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner layer with a sip hole area defined by a perforation line, and an outer layer that is selectively connected to the inner layer. This segmentation allows the outer layer to be torn off to open the sip hole while the inner layer maintains structural integrity and prevents leakage, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable leak resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a separate paper strip is attached to open the sip hole, then the sip hole can be opened, but the paper strip can break or detach prior to opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesip hole openingVSAvoidpaper strip integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outer layer is connected to the inner layer at the sip hole area, merging the opening function into the lid structure itself. When the outer layer is torn off, it directly opens the perforation line to create the sip hole. This eliminates the need for a separate paper strip and ensures reliable operation without the risk of the strip breaking or detaching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the outer layer is connected to the inner layer at the sip hole area, then the sip hole can be reliably opened by tearing, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesip hole opening reliabilityVSAvoidmulti-layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer layer is connected to the inner layer only at the specific sip hole area, not across the entire lid surface. This localized connection provides the necessary reliability for opening the sip hole through tearing, while minimizing the overall structural complexity and maintaining simplicity in other areas of the lid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a reliable and leak-resistant sip hole opening mechanism, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of leakage, while maintaining thermal isolation and recyclable material options.

Implementation Method 1

the outer layer is connected to the inner layer at the openable sip hole area by an adhesive bond

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bond: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the outer layer is connected to the inner layer at the openable sip hole area by a heat-sealed connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat-sealed connection:

Data Source

PatentEP3842359B1A lid for a container and its method of manufacturing
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 HUHTAMAKI OY
  • EP3842359B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3842359B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3842359B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns a lid (1) for a container (5), preferably for a beverage cup, comprising a top wall (2) for covering an opening of the container (5), wherein the top wall (2) comprises an inner layer (10) and an outer layer (20), wherein the inner layer (10) comprises a first perforation line (11) defining an openable sip hole area (12); and wherein the outer layer (20) is connected to the inner layer (10) at the openable sip hole area (12) so that tearing off at least a part of the outer layer (20) results in opening of the first perforation line (11) to create a sip hole (50) in the inner layer (10). The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing a lid (1) for a container (5), preferably for a beverage cup, wherein a top wall (2) for covering an opening of the container (5) is provided comprising an inner layer (10) and an outer layer (20), wherein a first perforation line (11) is created in the first paper layer (10), the first perforation line (11) defining a openable sip hole area (12), wherein the outer layer (20) is arranged on top of the inner layer (10), wherein the outer layer (20) is connected to the inner layer (10) at the openable sip hole area (12) so that tearing off at least a part of the outer layer (20) results in opening of the first perforation line (11) to create a sip hole (50) in the inner layer (10).