Environment-friendly tableware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environment-friendly pulp molded tableware is prone to deformation and cracking, limiting its usage and popularity due to low hardness and poor resilience, especially when subjected to force or handling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates first and second edge flaps with rounded corners on the handle and main body, and a wavy reinforcing rib with concave and convex portions to distribute force evenly and enhance strength, preventing deformation and cracking during use and molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pulp molded tableware is made from paper and plant residues, then production cost is reduced and environmental friendliness is improved, but hardness and resistance to deformation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulp molded tableware made from paper and plant residues as the base material, combining these natural fibers to create a composite structure that maintains environmental friendliness while achieving improved mechanical properties through the addition of reinforcing elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the tableware: the handle includes a recessed portion to prevent finger slip, the connection between handle and main body has increased thickness for strength, and the overall structure incorporates ribs for reinforcement, creating local variations in density and strength while maintaining low overall cost
2Ease of manufacture
If existing pulp molded tableware is designed with simple structure, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but the tableware is prone to deformation during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curved and rounded features into the tableware design: the handle has a recessed portion with rounded corners, the connection between handle and main body features curved transitions, and the overall structure uses smooth contours rather than sharp angles, which distributes stress more evenly and prevents deformation while maintaining ease of molding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the tableware into distinct structural zones: the handle portion, the connection region with increased thickness, and the main body portion. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and resistance to deformation
3Strength
If reinforcing ribs are added to existing pulp molded tableware, then strength is improved, but cracking occurs during molding due to abrupt slope changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sharp angles and abrupt transitions with curved surfaces and gradual slopes. The recessed portion in the handle has rounded corners, the connection region uses curved transitions between handle and main body, and all structural features are designed with smooth contours that eliminate stress concentration points during molding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies geometric parameters of the reinforcing features: the thickness of the connection region is increased gradually rather than abruptly, the radius of curvature at corners and edges is optimized to prevent cracking, and the slope angles of reinforcing ribs are adjusted to gradual transitions that allow proper material flow during molding
4Ease of operation
If the handle of pulp molded tableware is held for a long time, then normal usage is enabled, but the handle deforms due to poor resilience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the handle region with specific structural features: a recessed portion for ergonomic finger placement, increased thickness at the connection region for additional support, and optimized material distribution in the handle zone to improve resilience and prevent deformation during prolonged use
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 design significantly improves the bending resistance and durability of the tableware, reducing deformation and breakage, while simplifying the molding process and enhancing yield, making it more suitable for practical use and production.
Implementation Method 1
The water is sucked away through a vacuum system to form a wet blank
Implementation Method 2
the wet blank is then dried through high-temperature hot pressing to form a dry product
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 8~10
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of tableware, in particular, provides an environment-friendly tableware comprising a handle and a main body, wherein the main body is positioned at one end of the handle; on a cross section transverse to an extending direction of the handle, the handle has a bottom wall and side walls located at both ends of the bottom wall, a first edge flap is arranged at a free end of each side wall, a thickness of the first edge flap is equal to a thickness of each side wall, and corners of the first edge flap are rounded.