Disposable Cup With Segmented Parts For Recyclability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable cups made of plastic-lined paper are not optimally recyclable, cumbersome for reusability, and lack cost parity with industry standards, failing to effectively support the circular economy and provide realistic reusability capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cup constructed from recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable parts that can be assembled into a functional cup with a built-in lid, eliminating the need for a straw, and designed for easy use and transport, with components that can be easily configured for carrying and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plastic-lined paper disposable cups are used, then they are lighter and shatterproof, but they become not optimally recyclable
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is divided into separate components: a reusable outer cup and a disposable inner liner. The outer cup can be recycled or reused, while the inner liner is discarded after use. This segmentation allows the reusable portion to maintain recyclability while the disposable portion provides the necessary liquid retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a disposable inner liner that is discarded after single use, while the outer cup is designed for reuse and recycling. This approach applies the disposable principle to only the necessary functional component (liquid retention) while maintaining recyclability of the structural component (outer cup).
2Ease of operation
If standard disposable cups are used, then they are easy to use, but they are cumbersome to carry for most customers
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the cup into an outer cup and inner liner, the invention allows customers to carry only the lightweight inner liner when portability is needed, while the outer cup remains available for reuse at the venue. This segmentation optimizes both portability and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamic system where the inner liner can be easily inserted into and removed from the outer cup. This dynamic configuration allows customers to carry minimal weight (just the liner) while still having full cup functionality when needed.
3Strength
If permanent adhesive steps are used in assembly, then the cup structure is strengthened, but the viability of recycling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is designed as two separate components (outer cup and inner liner) that are assembled without permanent adhesives. The separation of components allows for easy disassembly and recycling of the outer cup while maintaining structural integrity during use through mechanical interlocking or friction-fit assembly methods.
4Productivity
If disposable cups are used to determine beverage purchase, then revenue generation is supported, but determining payment status becomes burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The inner liner incorporates visual indicators (such as color changes or distinctive markings) that signal whether the cup has been used and paid for. This visual coding system simplifies payment tracking for venue staff while maintaining the disposable nature of the cup for revenue generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cup with parts apparatus and method comprising the parts and the steps to create a recyclable/reusable/biodegradable (environmentally-friendly) disposable cup that boosts the circular economy. To aid adoption within a competitive marketplace, the cup is comparable with the industry standard: inexpensive to purchase, ship, and use at a beverage-selling social venue. One of the parts is a cup-shaped form (assembled by hand or machined) with which another liquid-retaining part can be assembled therewith to construct a drinking vessel. In a disassembled state, the light and durable parts are simple to reuse and provide cost benefits versus the industry-standard disposable cups (i.e., build-in lid, no need for a straw), which helps with adoption.