Biodegradable Windows in Paper Cups for Liquid-Level Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-use paper cups are opaque, making it difficult to determine the liquid level, especially with foaming beverages, and conventional transparent plastic windows compromise biodegradability and compostability, violating environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A beverage cup with a partially transparent, biodegradable, and compostable window element made from materials like SYLVICTA ®< or cellulose fibers, allowing liquid level visibility without compromising environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a transparent plastic window element is used in a paper cup, then liquid level visibility is improved, but biodegradability and compostability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining paper/board material with transparent biodegradable plastic material to create a window element that provides both visibility and environmental compliance. The transparent biodegradable plastic material is specifically selected to allow liquid level viewing while maintaining compostability, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only the window element transparent while keeping the rest of the cup opaque. This localized transparency is achieved through the transparent biodegradable plastic material in the window region, allowing liquid level visibility only where needed without compromising the overall biodegradability of the cup structure.
2Reliability
If conventional opaque paper cups are used, then biodegradability and compostability are maintained, but liquid level assessment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using composite materials - specifically, a window element made from transparent biodegradable plastic material integrated into the paper cup. This composite structure maintains the biodegradability of the overall cup while adding the transparency needed for liquid level assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cup into two functional zones: an opaque paper body for structural integrity and biodegradability, and a transparent window element for liquid level visibility. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other requirements.
3Loss of information
If transparent plastic cups are used, then liquid level visibility is improved, but environmental sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the material properties of the window element - specifically using transparent biodegradable plastic material instead of conventional non-biodegradable plastic. This parameter change (biodegradability) allows the cup to maintain transparency for liquid level visibility while reducing environmental harm through compostability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials to combine the transparency of plastic with the biodegradability of paper-based materials. The window element is made from transparent biodegradable plastic material that integrates with the paper cup structure, providing both visibility and environmental sustainability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A beverage cup is provided. The beverage cup has a main body formed from paper and/or paper board material. At least one window element is defined in a side wall of the main body of said beverage cup. The at least one window element comprises or consists of at least a partially transparent, biodegradable and/or compostable material.