Disposable Cup Lid Cover with Basin Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable lids for coffee cups are unsanitary as they can come into contact with germs, bacteria, viruses, and airborne particles when handled, posing a risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cover for disposable lids that can be securely attached and easily removed, featuring a round projection fitting into a basin region with protrusions and indentations on the lid, and a release tab to prevent contact with hands and environmental particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disposable lid with an opening is used to allow drinking, then the lid remains in place for convenient drinking, but the lid and mouthpiece come into contact with hands and airborne particles causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A removable cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the lid's mouthpiece. The cover fits over the lid and can be easily removed when drinking is needed, while providing protection when not in use. This mediator prevents direct contact between hands and the mouthpiece, blocking the transmission of germs and contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is pre-positioned on the lid before the user handles the cup. This preliminary protective action ensures that the mouthpiece is already protected against contamination from hands and airborne particles before any contact occurs. The cover serves as a preliminary barrier that can be removed only when necessary for drinking.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to protect the lid, then contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a simple, disposable component that is inexpensive to manufacture and use. Rather than creating a complex, reusable protective mechanism, the invention employs a simple disposable cover that can be easily discarded after use. This approach minimizes structural complexity while effectively preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to fit neatly over the existing lid structure, nesting within the available space without requiring additional components or complex assembly. The cover's geometry allows it to integrate smoothly with the lid's contours, maintaining a compact and simple overall structure while providing protective functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a secure cover is used to protect the lid, then contamination is blocked, but the ease of removal for drinking decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between a secure fitted state for protection and an easily removable state for drinking. The cover's elastic or flexible properties enable it to snap onto the lid securely for contamination protection, while also allowing quick removal when needed. This dynamic design balances protection with operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated cover and lid for a disposable cup such that the cover can protect the lid and its mouthpiece from coming into contact with another person's hands and corresponding germs, bacteria, viruses, dirt, debris, and other particles. In particular, the disposable cup cover and lid system can include a round cover having a first diameter, wherein the cover includes a round projection having a second diameter less than the first diameter. The cover and lid system can further include a lid having a third diameter, wherein the lid includes a basin region having a fourth diameter less than the third diameter, wherein the round projection of the cover is received within the basin region of the lid. Here, the basin region of the lid can further include a plurality of protrusions around its perimeter, wherein the plurality of protrusions engage an outer perimeter wall of the round projection.