Cup Lid Seal Ring Structure for Hot Drink Leak Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drink cups with existing lids often leak, especially when filled with hot liquids, due to inadequate sealing between the lid and the cup, which is a common frustration for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A lid with a ring-shaped brim mount featuring four seal rings that establish annular liquid flow barriers by mating with the cup's brim and side wall, creating an interference fit to ensure a secure and leak-resistant seal, using materials like polystyrene or polypropylene and a thermoforming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple lid design is used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple functional components: a brim mount with four distinct seal rings (first interior, second interior, first exterior, second exterior), a central closure, and a liquid-discharge outlet. Each seal ring targets specific locations on the cup brim and side wall to create multiple liquid flow barriers, ensuring comprehensive sealing without requiring a single complex sealing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Different seal rings are positioned at specific locations with distinct functions: interior seal rings engage with interior portions of the side wall and cup brim, while exterior seal rings engage with exterior portions. Each seal ring is strategically located to address specific leakage pathways, providing localized sealing quality tailored to the requirements of each region
2Reliability
If multiple seal rings are added to prevent leaks, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brim mount integrates four separate seal rings into a single unified component that is formed as one piece during the thermoforming process. This merging of multiple sealing functions into a single manufacturable part simplifies production while maintaining the leak-resistant properties of multiple seals
Solution Approach 2:
The brim mount serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the lid, creates four distinct liquid flow barriers through its integrated seal rings, and engages with both interior and exterior portions of the cup. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, easing manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container includes a cup having a brim forming an opening into an interior region of the cup. The container also includes a lid configured to mount on the brim of the cup to close the opening.