Cup Sleeve Flying Gyroscope Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable paper cup insulating sleeves provide inadequate thermal insulation, leading to discomfort when handling hot beverages and contribute to environmental waste, while existing aerial toys are fragile and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A ring with an open larger and smaller diameter conical end is coupled to the insulating cup sleeve to form a weighted leading edge, creating a flying gyroscope toy that enhances flight stability and reduces material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a paperboard insulating sleeve is used to provide thermal insulation, then thermal insulation is improved, but the sleeve remains disposable and contributes to environmental waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a disposable paperboard insulating sleeve into a reusable aerial toy. The ring structure is designed to be permanently attached to the sleeve, converting the entire assembly from a single-use item into a durable toy that can be used repeatedly for flight activities, thereby eliminating the waste problem while maintaining the thermal insulation function during initial use.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating sleeve is given dual functionality: it serves both as a thermal insulator for hot beverages and as a body for an aerial toy. The ring structure provides the necessary weight distribution and flight characteristics, while the sleeve provides both insulation and the aerodynamic body, allowing one object to fulfill multiple purposes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ring is added to the insulating sleeve to create a flying toy, then flight stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate functions into a single integrated object: the insulating sleeve and the aerial toy components are combined into one unified structure. The ring is permanently attached to the sleeve, creating a single object that provides both thermal insulation and flight capability, thereby reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating sleeve itself serves as the body of the aerial toy, eliminating the need for a separate toy component. The sleeve's cylindrical shape and material properties are utilized for flight, while the added ring provides weight and stability, allowing the insulating component to serve dual purposes without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional aerial toys are used, then flight functionality is provided, but they are fragile and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available materials (paperboard sleeve and simple ring) to create a durable aerial toy. The design leverages the inherent strength and flexibility of the sleeve material combined with the stabilizing ring, creating a toy that is both cheap to produce and resistant to damage during flight activities, unlike traditional fragile aerial toys.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial toy combines different materials with complementary properties: the paperboard sleeve provides flexibility and aerodynamic shape, while the ring (likely plastic or metal) provides structural strength and weight distribution. This composite construction creates a more durable and reliable toy compared to single-material traditional aerial toys.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution transforms a disposable insulating sleeve into a functional and environmentally friendly aerial toy with improved flight characteristics and structural strength, offering a fun and sustainable alternative to traditional toys.
Implementation Method 1
The ring is coupled to one of the ends of the sleeve and forms a weighted leading edge for the toy
Implementation Method 2
creating an aerial toy with the weighted ring end forward... flight is protracted because the tube exhibits airfoil characteristics... These flying gyroscopes are thrown for distance, accuracy, fun and competition
Implementation Method 3
These sleeves are frequently made from a paperboard blank that is configured to closely embrace the paper cup and protect the user's fingers from high temperatures... polystyrene is an excellent thermal insulator
Implementation Method 4
aerial toys made of simple tubular bodies that can be thrown and whose flight is protracted because the tube exhibits airfoil characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial toy is formed by coupling a ring to an insulating sleeve used with disposable paper cups. The ring is attached to the smaller diameter conical end of the insulator sleeve creating a flying gyroscope. The flight of the toy is protracted due to the airfoil characteristics of the tubular body and is thrown like a football for distance, accuracy, fun and competition.