Cup, a blank for a cup and a method of forming a cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable cups with separate lids face challenges such as incorrect alignment during use, leading to potential leakage, and the need for separate recycling processes due to different materials.
Innovation Solution
A cup design featuring integrated closure flaps that fold to form a closable lid, eliminating the need for a separate lid and simplifying the closure process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate lid is used, then the cup can be spill-proof, but the lid may be incorrectly positioned causing leakage and requiring separate recycling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lid structure directly into the cup body by forming closure flaps from the cup wall itself. The first and second closure flaps are integral parts of the cup wall that fold to form a closed lid, eliminating the need for a separate lid component. This merging resolves the alignment issue by ensuring the lid structure is inherently positioned correctly on the cup.
2Reliability
If a separate lid is used, then the cup can be spill-proof, but separate recycling processes are required due to different materials
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure is merged with the cup body as an integral formation, both made from the same material (paper or plastic). This eliminates the need for separate recycling processes for different materials, as the entire cup including the lid can be recycled together through a single process.
3Ease of operation
If an integrated lid is used, then alignment issues are eliminated, but the closure mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism uses dynamic folding actions of the first and second closure flaps. The flaps are configured to fold along predetermined fold lines to transition between open and closed positions. This dynamic folding mechanism achieves reliable closure without requiring complex mechanical components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring proper alignment and sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for a cup for retaining a liquid. The cup includes a base and a wall. The base and the wall define a container with a space to retain the liquid. A first closure flap and a second closure flap are attached to the wall and extend from the wall. The first closure flap and the second closure flap are foldable relative to the wall. The first closure flap and the second closure flap are foldable between an open position and a closed position. The first closure flap and the second closure flap define a lid when in the closed position. The lid is defined by the first closure flap being folded at least twice to a closed position and the second closure flap being folded at least once to a closed position.