Bottom-Fed Straw Cup Structure for Reclined Drinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drinking cups are difficult for bedbound individuals or those unable to sit upright to use, as they require longer, unsecured straws that are prone to falling or touching unsanitary surfaces, and existing solutions like claps for securing straws are prone to breaking.
Innovation Solution
A drinking cup design with a flexible straw connected to the base, secured by a barbed nipple and housed in a handle with a semi-circular recess, allowing for easy insertion and removal, and featuring a double-walled insulation for thermal benefits and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional cup with rim is used, then the cup structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it requires the user to tilt the cup to mouth level making it difficult for bedbound individuals to use
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is divided into two functional parts: the cup body for holding liquid and the integrated straw system for delivering liquid. The outlet at the base separates the drinking function from the holding function, allowing the cup to remain in a stable position while the user drinks from a lower position.
Solution Approach 2:
The straw acts as an intermediary element that connects the liquid in the cup to the user's mouth without requiring the cup to be tilted or brought to mouth level. The flexible straw can be positioned and secured independently, facilitating drinking for bedbound individuals.
2Ease of operation
If a long flexible straw is used to reach from bottom of cup to user's mouth below cup, then drinking from reclined position is enabled, but the straw is prone to falling out or touching unsanitary surfaces when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The straw is merged with the cup structure through the clasp mechanism that secures the straw to the cup body. This integration ensures the straw remains attached to the cup when not in use, preventing it from falling out or touching unsanitary surfaces while still allowing flexible positioning during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp is pre-positioned on the cup body at an appropriate location and orientation, so that the straw can be easily secured in advance before use. This preliminary arrangement ensures the straw is properly positioned and secured, preventing it from falling out during use or when stored.
3Reliability
If a clasp is added to secure the straw to the cup, then straw stability is improved, but the clasp is prone to snapping off or breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is formed from flexible material that can bend and deform without breaking. The flexibility allows the clasp to accommodate the straw and cup body movements without generating excessive stress that would lead to snapping or breaking, while still maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp design changes the mechanical parameters of the securing mechanism by using flexible material with appropriate elasticity and tensile strength. This allows the clasp to maintain secure holding force while withstanding repeated use and deformation without breaking.
4Productivity
If the straw outlet is positioned at the bottom of the cup, then gravity feeding and head pressure are optimized for drinking, but the straw connection point becomes more vulnerable to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet structure is nested within the cup base, with the outlet opening positioned at the bottom and the straw connection point integrated into the base structure. This nesting provides structural support and protection to the connection point, reducing vulnerability to breaking while maintaining the bottom outlet position for optimal gravity feeding.
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
Enables drinking from a reclined position without tilting the cup, with a secure and hygienic straw system that prevents spills and is easy to clean, while maintaining thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
Connecting the straw to the bottom of the cup allows gravity feeding of the contents of the cup through the straw
Implementation Method 2
The second wall is generally separated from the first wall by a thin layer of air. This wall, air, wall assembly generally provides adequate insulation for slowing heat transfer to or from the liquid contents.
Data Source
AI summary
A drinking cup for use by individuals in reclined position is disclosed. The cup includes a flexible straw attached to the base of the cup, a lid, and a handle with a groove for receiving and storing the straw. A bight actuated mouthpiece valve is connected to the distal end of the straw. The cup may be of double walled construction and the lid includes a small hole to release any vacuum created as a user sucks on the straw.