Blend-Through Cup Lid for In-Cup Self-Service Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blending machines require manual handling and cleaning of blending containers, are unsuitable for self-service environments, and often result in inconsistent drink quality due to incorrect liquid-to-solid ratios and the need for employees to manage lids during blending, posing sanitation and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A lid design for a drink cup that allows a blade assembly to penetrate through a central orifice with bendable petals, enabling blending within the cup, minimizing manual handling, reducing cleaning needs, and ensuring consistent blending quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate blending device is used to mix supplements with beverage, then blending function is provided, but device complexity and additional equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blending function with the cup lid by integrating a blade assembly directly into the lid structure. The blade is driven by a motor mounted on the lid, allowing the lid to serve dual purposes: sealing the cup and blending contents. This eliminates the need for separate blending devices and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup lid is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a seal for the cup, provides a mounting structure for the motor, houses the blade assembly for blending, and includes a drive shaft mechanism for power transmission. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated blending equipment.
2Productivity
If blade is directly exposed in cup lid, then blending action is effective, but safety hazard from exposed sharp blade increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure is segmented into functional zones: an exposed blending zone where the blade operates to provide effective mixing, and a protected storage zone where the blade is retracted when not in use. The drive shaft mechanism enables the blade to move between these zones, maintaining blending effectiveness while ensuring safety during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is designed with dynamic movement capability through the drive shaft mechanism, allowing it to transition from a retracted safe position to an extended operational position. This dynamic design enables the blade to be exposed only when actively blending, eliminating safety hazards during idle periods while maintaining blending effectiveness during operation.
3Ease of operation
If supplements are pre-mixed before storage, then convenience is improved, but clumping and improper mixing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares supplements for blending by storing them in a ready-to-blend state within the cup, but maintains them separate until the moment of use. The portable blender enables immediate blending when needed, combining the convenience of pre-preparation with the benefit of fresh mixing, preventing clumping while maintaining ease of operation.
4Quantity of substance
If large volume blender is used, then blending capacity is sufficient, but portability and ease of transport are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blender components are nested within the cup structure: the motor is mounted on the cup lid, the blade assembly is integrated into the lid, and the drive shaft connects these components. This nested arrangement consolidates the blending system into a compact form that fits within the cup's existing volume, maintaining blending capacity while minimizing weight and improving portability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lid, a disposable cup with the lid, and a blending machine for use with the lid and cup which is particularly well-suited for use in a self-service blending environment where material is initially provided in unblended form in the disposable cup, is blended in the disposable cup, and the disposable cup is used by the end user during consumption of the material. The lid is designed to allow for a blade assembly of the blending machine to pass through the lid and into the cup without it having to be removed.