Disposable Cup Lid Segmented Closure Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional disposable cup lids with recloseable features are limited by the thermoplastic manufacturing process, resulting in unreliable closure mechanisms due to bending or flexing, which compromises the lid's ability to maintain a seal over time.

Innovation Solution

A thermoformed, two-part disposable lid design where a pivoting arm is fabricated separately and assembled off-center, allowing for a rotating motion without opposing the natural structural properties of the plastic, providing a more precise and reliable closure similar to reusable lids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a one-part thermoplastic lid is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but closure reliability deteriorates due to bending and flexing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidclosure reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into two separate parts: a lid body and a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism is manufactured separately and then attached to the lid body, allowing each component to be optimized independently. This segmentation enables the closure mechanism to have enhanced structural integrity while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of thermoplastic manufacturing for the main lid body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If a two-part configuration is used, then closure precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure precisionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid system is segmented into a lid body and a separate closure mechanism that attaches to the lid body. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of the closure mechanism while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary attachment mechanism connects the closure mechanism to the lid body. This intermediary component facilitates precise alignment and attachment while maintaining simplicity in the overall assembly process, avoiding the need for complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional thermoplastic manufacturing is used, then productivity is improved, but closure mechanism precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass production efficiencyVSAvoidclosure feature precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The closure mechanism is segmented from the main lid body and manufactured separately using thermoplastic processes. This allows the closure mechanism to be produced with higher precision through specialized tooling and processes, while the main lid body continues to be mass-produced efficiently using conventional thermoplastic manufacturing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11472614B2Disposable cup lid

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 LIDWORKS CO

AI summary

A two-part disposable, stackable and recloseable lid for a container holding a beverage. The lid has a dome configuration for higher volume beverages. The lid has a drinking aperture and an a moveable arm with a plug to seal the drinking aperture. The lid has a recess for storing the plug end of the arm when the drinking aperture is being used.