Collapsible Cup Locking and Sealing for Hot Leak-Proof Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible cups fail to maintain liquid temperature, are unsafe for hot liquids, prone to leakage, and are not intuitively collapsible or aesthetically pleasing, making them unsuitable for reuse and portability.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cup design featuring a locking mechanism with a pin and track system, magnets, and an O-ring seal, made of stainless steel, which allows for easy extension and collapse while maintaining temperature and safety, and includes a lid with a flipping mechanism for leak-proofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional collapsible cups are used, then portability is improved, but temperature maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cup body is designed with nested rings that can collapse into each other, allowing the cup to be compacted to a fraction of its expanded volume for easy portability, while maintaining full functionality when expanded for use
Solution Approach 2:
The cup body is divided into multiple segmented rings connected by locking mechanisms, allowing independent movement and collapse of each segment while maintaining structural integrity and thermal insulation when expanded
2Ease of operation
If conventional collapsible cups are used, then portability is improved, but safety for hot liquids deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cup incorporates a double-wall construction with vacuum insulation in specific critical areas, providing enhanced thermal protection where it is most needed for safety while maintaining collapsibility overall
Solution Approach 2:
The cup design includes pre-engineered thermal barriers and insulation layers that are built into the structure before use, providing inherent protection against hot liquid hazards without requiring active intervention
3Ease of operation
If conventional collapsible cups are used, then portability is improved, but leak-proof performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cup utilizes flexible sealing membranes and elastic sealing rings that conform to the collapsing and expanding movements of the cup body, maintaining leak-proof seals throughout the transformation between collapsed and expanded states
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 cup effectively maintains liquid temperature, is safe to hold hot beverages, leak-proof, and can be easily collapsed and carried, addressing the issues of conventional collapsible cups by providing a sustainable and aesthetically appealing solution.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism may further comprise a magnet held within the magnet slot of the first ring, and a magnet held within the magnet slot of the second ring
Implementation Method 2
a first ring having an outer wall and an inner wall forming an air gap slot therebetween
Implementation Method 3
A leak-proof mechanism comprising an O-ring fit within a groove of each ring may also be employed
Data Source
AI summary
A novel cup is disclosed that may be collapsed and extended to hold cold or hot liquids safely. The cup preferably comprises a telescoping body comprising a plurality of rings of varying outer diameters, each ring having an outer wall and an inner wall forming an air gap therebetween, a leak-proof mechanism comprising an O-ring disposed about one or more rings, and a locking mechanism comprising an annular track disposed about one ring, and a pin disposed about another ring adapted to fit within the track and slideably engage it. The locking mechanism may further comprise a first magnet seated within the air gap of a first ring, and a second magnet seated within the air gap of a second ring, whereby the first and second magnets create a magnetic pull toward one another to help keep the cup in either a collapsed or extended position.