Disposable Cup Blank With Integrated Straw Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable cups with built-in straws are difficult and expensive to produce due to the need for separate folding and assembly of the straw, which complicates manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece blank for a disposable drinking cup is designed with cut-away portions that allow for simultaneous folding and formation of both the cup body and the built-in straw, eliminating the need for separate straw assembly and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the straw is folded separately from and prior to folding the body of the cup, then the cup can be formed with a built-in straw, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the straw and cup body into a single integrated blank structure. The straw portions are formed as extensions of the cup body blank, allowing both the cup and straw to be folded and assembled simultaneously in a single manufacturing operation, eliminating the need for separate straw folding and assembly steps.
2Productivity
If the straw is formed as an integral part of the cup from a one-piece blank, then manufacturing becomes simpler and less expensive, but the blank design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blank is segmented into distinct functional zones: cup body portions and straw portions. The cut-away portions create defined separation zones that guide the folding process, allowing the complex one-piece blank to be systematically transformed into the final cup-with-straw product through controlled folding operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If cut-away portions are created in the blank, then the straw can be formed during cup folding, but the blank requires additional cutting steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cut-away portions are pre-formed in the blank before the folding process. This preliminary action creates predetermined folding lines and registration features that guide the subsequent folding operation, enabling the straw to be automatically formed and positioned correctly during the cup assembly process without requiring additional steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cup with a built-in straw and a method of making it. The cup is made from a blank including a flat body portion having a top and bottom edge and two side edges. A first cut-away along the top edge of the body portion defines two portions along the side edges and extending beyond the top edge. A second cut-away is formed adjacent one of the side edges. The body portion is configured to be folded such that the first extending portion is in registration with the second extending portion, and a first side edge of the body portion engages an outer wall of the body portion while the second side edge engages an inner wall of the body portion, to form a cup body with a built-in straw on an inside wall of the cup body with the second cutaway inside the cup body.