Embossed Paper Cup Sidewall Structure for Higher Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper or carton cups exhibit poor rigidity and instability, particularly at the upper edge, leading to the need for thicker materials to maintain structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of embossments or compressive shaping in the sidewall, which can be inwardly or outwardly directed, increases the cup's rigidity by providing a high-friction surface and allowing for efficient material usage without compromising stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thicker material is used to increase rigidity, then structural stability is improved, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from considering only material thickness (one dimension) to incorporating geometric shaping (additional dimensions). By adding compressed shapings that extend in radial and axial directions, the patent creates a multi-dimensional structural solution that enhances rigidity without proportionally increasing material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved, compressed shaping structures (embossments) rather than flat surfaces. These curved geometries provide structural reinforcement similar to how spherical or cylindrical shapes distribute stress more effectively than flat planes, enhancing rigidity with optimized material usage.
2Strength
If material thickness is increased to prevent crushing, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the shaping structures during the forming process itself, before the cup is completed. By pre-forming the compressed shapings into the sidewall during manufacturing, the structural reinforcement is built-in without requiring separate manufacturing steps, tooling, or assembly operations, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural reinforcement function with the cup forming process. The shaping and forming operations are merged into a single integrated manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement components or additional manufacturing steps.
3Device complexity
If conventional cup design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sidewall into distinct regions: smooth portions and compressed shaping portions. This segmentation allows different functional zones within the same continuous sidewall, providing rigidity enhancement without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly procedures.
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 enhances the structural rigidity of the cup, preventing crushing and allowing for the use of thinner materials while maintaining stability and insulating properties, even when filled with liquids or subjected to external forces.
Implementation Method 1
the shaping is compressed in its height
Implementation Method 2
applying locally pressure to the sidewall and deforming the material of the sidewall plastically
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the production of a cup having a bottom and a sidewall attached to the bottom, wherein the sidewall preferably comprises a rolled rimat its upper edge opposite to the bottom, wherein the sidewall comprises a single layer or a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the layers is produced from a paper material, carton, plastic, PLA, a renewable and/or a biodegradable resource and or any other comparable material, wherein at least one shaping is shaped into at least one of the layers of the sidewall, wherein the shaping is at least partially ring-shaped, wherein the shaping extends at least partially over the perimeter of the sidewall, wherein the shaping is inwardly or outwardly directed, wherein the shapings are compressed in height such that an edge of each shaping touches an opposite segment of the shaping and/or that both edges of each shaping touch each other and are joined together, and a cup produced by this process.