Insulated Cup Stack Shoulder for Wedge-Free Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated cups do not efficiently facilitate stacking and easy separation of nested cups, as the bottom cup can become wedged, making it difficult to disassemble the stacked configuration.
Innovation Solution
An insulated cup design featuring a stack shoulder with an annular seat-support ring that limits the insertion depth of a second cup, preventing wedging and allowing for easy separation by forming an annular ledge to receive and engage the bottom end of the second cup, thereby enabling removability and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bottom cup is allowed to be inserted deeply into the nested cup for secure stacking, then the stacking stability is improved, but the cup becomes wedged and difficult to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom cup's side wall is segmented into two portions: a first portion with a larger outer diameter and a second portion with a smaller outer diameter. This segmentation allows the first portion to provide stable engagement with the nested cup while the second portion remains accessible for easy removal, resolving the contradiction between stacking stability and separation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dimensional change in the side wall profile, transitioning from a larger diameter section to a smaller diameter section. This dimensional variation creates a geometric configuration where the larger portion engages securely with the nested cup interior, while the smaller portion allows for easy grasping and removal, thus resolving the stability-separation contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If the cup design includes features for easy separation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stacking security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is divided into functional segments: the first portion provides stacking security through its larger diameter engagement, while the second portion facilitates easy separation. This segmentation allows both stacking security and separation ease to coexist without compromising either function.
3Productivity
If the cup allows deep insertion for nested stacking, then the productivity of space utilization is improved, but the difficulty of disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented side wall structure allows the cup to be efficiently nested within another cup using the larger first portion, maximizing space utilization. Meanwhile, the smaller second portion remains accessible for quick grasping and removal, minimizing disassembly time and resolving the productivity-time loss contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
An insulative cup includes a side wall having an upper end formed to include a brim defining a mouth opening into an interior region formed at least in part by the side wall and a floor coupled to side wall. A stack shoulder configured to provide a support surface is formed in the side wall.