Drinking Straw with Internal Branched Passages for Granule Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking straws with integrated filters or inserts for retaining flavoring granules often result in unsatisfactory flavor dissolution, increased manufacturing costs, sharp edges, and potential harm to users, especially children, due to external deformation and heat application.
Innovation Solution
A drinking straw with internally deformed branched portions formed by heating and pressing the inner surface of the plastic wall to create parallel passages that retain granules without external filters, ensuring a smooth user-friendly surface and stable liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external filters or end caps are used to retain granules, then granule retention is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to separate manufacturing and welding steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the filtering function directly into the straw wall by creating internal recesses and bridging structures during the single-step injection molding process. This merges the straw body and filter into one integrated component, eliminating separate filters and welding operations while maintaining granule retention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The straw wall is segmented into multiple functional zones: granule introduction zone with larger cross-section, middle portion with reduced cross-section containing bridging structures, and exit zone. This segmentation allows different sections to perform different functions (granule intake, retention, and liquid passage) within a single molded piece.
2Reliability
If the straw wall is pressed or crimped to create narrow passages, then granule retention is improved, but the straw material may crack or deform permanently
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering structures (recesses and bridges) are formed during the initial injection molding process before the straw is put into service. This preliminary formation of the filtering geometry eliminates the need for subsequent pressing or crimping operations that could damage the straw material or cause cracking.
3Reliability
If external deformation and heat application are used to create filters, then granule retention is improved, but sharp edges are formed that may harm users especially children
Solution Approach 1:
The injection molding process automatically forms smooth, rounded filtering structures as the molten plastic fills and cools in the mold cavity. The mold design ensures that all internal features including recesses and bridges have smooth surfaces without sharp edges, eliminating the need for post-deformation smoothing operations.
4Reliability
If a single narrow passage is created for liquid flow, then granule retention is improved, but liquid flow is restricted and easily blocked by fillings
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a single narrow linear passage, the patent uses three-dimensional bridging structures that extend across the straw wall thickness. These bridges create a three-dimensional flow network with multiple possible flow paths around the bridges, maintaining liquid flow capacity while preventing granule passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The straw cross-section is divided into different zones with different properties: the granule introduction zone has a larger cross-section to accommodate granules, the middle portion has bridging structures to retain granules while allowing liquid flow, and the exit zone maintains appropriate dimensions. Each zone is optimized for its specific function.
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 provides a cost-effective, durable, and user-friendly drinking straw that effectively retains flavoring granules while maintaining smooth edges and preventing liquid flow restrictions, eliminating the need for separate filters and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
heating and pressing the inner surface of the plastic wall
Implementation Method 2
heating and pressing the inner surface of the plastic wall to create parallel passages
Implementation Method 3
heating and pressing the inner surface of the plastic wall
Data Source
Figure 1~9
Figure 2~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a drinking straw which is a thermoplastic tube having a first end and a second end comprising: - a first tubular end portion adjacent the first end and defining a single passage; - a first branched portion spaced from the first end and defining at least two parallel passages in fluid communication with the single passage of the first tubular end portion; - a second tubular end portion adjacent; the second end and defining a single passage; - a second branched portion spaced apart from the second end and defining at least two parallel passages being in fluid communication with the single passage of the second tubular end portion; and - a hollow elongate middle portion providing fluid communication between the parallel passages of the first branched portion and the parallel passages of the second branched portion; and - a filler in the middle portion, said filler containing ah active ingredient releasable in liquid drawn through the straw; the parallel passages of the first and second branched portions being defined by neighbouring recesses formed in the tube and an inner seam connecting the neighbouring recesses; and the filler and the parallel passages being sized to prevent the filler from passing through the parallel passages of the first and second branched portions. The invention further relates to a method and a device for manufacturing such a drinking straw.