Double-Walled Drinking Vessel Rim Structure for Thin Seamless Lips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated drinking vessels lack a thin, yet long, drinking lip design, which affects their aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design comprises an inner vessel, an outer vessel, and a ring component, where two of these components are pre-molded and fixedly secured together with a weld joint, and one component is molded in-situ to form a non-superficial homogenous joint, eliminating visible vestiges of the molding process and creating a thin, long lip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional molding processes are used for insulated drinking vessels, then manufacturing is simpler, but visible molding vestiges appear on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-molding the ring component separately with intentional gate positioning, then subsequently molding the inner and outer vessels over it. This preliminary preparation allows the gate vestige to be strategically placed and later concealed, resolving the surface quality issue without requiring complex post-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring component serves as an intermediary element between the molding processes. It is pre-molded first, then the inner and outer vessels are molded over it, with the ring's gate vestige strategically positioned to be concealed by the subsequent components. This intermediary approach allows multiple molding operations while maintaining surface quality.
2Strength
If multiple components are assembled separately, then manufacturing flexibility increases, but joint visibility and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components through a multi-step molding process where the ring is pre-molded, then the inner and outer vessels are molded directly over it, creating integrated joints. The plastic material flows continuously from one component to another, forming homogenous joints that are both strong and visually seamless, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material techniques by molding different components (ring, inner vessel, outer vessel) from plastic materials that are compatible and can be molded together. The materials are selected and processed to ensure they bond homogeneously, creating joints with strength comparable to or exceeding the base materials themselves.
3Shape
If a thin lip is designed, then aesthetic appeal improves, but structural strength and functionality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The lip is constructed as a composite structure formed by the integration of the ring, inner vessel, and outer vessel components. The multi-layer construction provides structural strength and durability while maintaining a thin profile, as each layer contributes to the overall strength without requiring increased thickness of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip structure merges the ring and vessel components into a unified, homogenous joint that distributes structural loads across multiple integrated elements. This merging creates a thin yet strong lip where the combined structure provides greater strength than individual components alone, enabling aesthetic thinness without sacrificing durability.
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 results in an aesthetically pleasing, functional insulated drinking vessel with enhanced structural integrity and a thin, long lip, improving both appearance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
molded in-situ on the other two components to cause portions thereof to melt and intermingle to form a non-superficial homogenous joint therebetween
Implementation Method 2
Two of the first, second and third components are fixedly secured together by a weld joint to form an integral unit
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated drinking vessel, e.g., a wine glass, and a method of making the same is disclosed. The drinking vessel basically comprises an outer vessel, an inner vessel and a ring. The inner and outer vessels each include a sidewall. The sidewalls are spaced apart. At least one of the outer vessel, the inner vessel and the ring are pre-molded to form an integral structure having a vestige of a molding gate used to mold the integral structure. At least one of the inner and outer vessels and the ring is molded in situ on the integral structure to cause portions thereof to melt and intermingle to form a non-superficial homogenous joint, with the ring forming the rim or lip of the insulated drinking vessel.