Edible Cap with Multi-Layer Composite Structure for Leak-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable cups with plastic caps contribute to environmental pollution due to non-biodegradability, and paper cups with plastic coatings also pose environmental issues despite efforts to reduce plastic use.
Innovation Solution
An edible cap comprising a starch layer with attached edible films and wax layers, where the films are made from plant or animal-derived materials like glutinous rice, casein, and pectin, providing protection and adhesion while being detachable and consumable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic caps are used on disposable cups, then sealing performance and leakage prevention are improved, but environmental pollution and non-biodegradability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the cap from conventional plastic to edible materials (starch, casein, pectin, wax). This fundamental material substitution maintains the cap's sealing function while eliminating environmental pollution, as the edible materials are biodegradable and can be consumed or decomposed naturally.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is constructed as a composite structure with multiple edible material layers including starch layer, casein layer, pectin layer, and wax layer. Each layer contributes specific properties: starch provides structural integrity, casein and pectin provide adhesion and flexibility, and wax provides water resistance. This composite approach enables the edible cap to achieve plastic-like sealing performance while remaining environmentally friendly.
2Quantity of substance
If paper cups with plastic coating are used, then plastic use is reduced compared to pure plastic cups, but environmental issues and lack of biodegradability persist
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely eliminates plastic from the cap material composition, transitioning from plastic-coated paper to fully edible materials. This radical material substitution addresses environmental issues by making the cap biodegradable and consumable, going beyond merely reducing plastic usage to completely replacing it with environmentally benign alternatives.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If edible materials are used for the cap, then environmental friendliness and biodegradability are improved, but sealing performance and leakage prevention may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer composite structure where each edible material layer contributes specific functional properties. The starch layer provides structural framework, casein and pectin layers provide adhesion and flexibility, and the wax layer provides water resistance. This composite approach compensates for the individual limitations of edible materials to achieve reliable sealing performance comparable to plastic caps.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cap and different layers are assigned specific material properties tailored to local functional requirements. The inner layers focus on adhesion to the cup and structural integrity, while the outer wax layer focuses on water resistance and sealing. This localized optimization of material properties enables the edible cap to achieve reliable leakage prevention despite using biodegradable materials.
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 edible cap effectively seals the cup without leakage, is environmentally friendly, and can be consumed or decomposed, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic and paper cup caps.
Implementation Method 1
The edible wax layer is attached to a face of the edible flat body
Implementation Method 2
The edible film is attached to a face of the edible wax layer opposite to the flat body in a detachable manner
Data Source
AI summary
An edible cap for selectively covering an open end of a cup includes an edible flat body, an edible wax layer and an edible film. The edible flat body is in the form of a cap. The edible flat body is a solid body including a top portion and a wall extending around the top portion in a circle of a certain diameter to provide a profile in compliance with the open end of the cup. The wall includes an opening for receiving the open end of the cup. The edible wax layer is attached to a face of the edible flat body. The edible film is attached to a face of the edible wax layer opposite to the flat body in a detachable manner.