Foldable Substrate Discard Cup via Scored Origami
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a discard bag that can transform into a spit cup using origami, allowing users to easily create a discard cup for disposable materials without occupying unnecessary space in the original bag.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for forming a disposal cup by folding a semi-stiff foldable substrate along scored lines to create a three-dimensional structure, which can be included in a bag with individual pieces of products, allowing users to easily convert it into a discard cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a discard bag is provided separately, then users can hold discardable material, but it occupies unnecessary space in the original bag
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable substrate is nested within the original bag or packaging, allowing it to occupy minimal space when not in use. The substrate can be flat-folded to fit inside the bag or attached to the exterior, effectively nesting the discard cup solution within the existing packaging structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate transitions from a flat, compact state during storage to a three-dimensional cup structure during use. This dynamic transformation allows the same object to occupy minimal space when stored and provide adequate volume when needed as a discard cup.
2Volume of moving object
If a foldable substrate is used to create a discard cup, then space efficiency is improved, but the transformation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple panels or sections with pre-scored fold lines that guide the transformation process. This segmentation allows the flat substrate to be systematically folded into a three-dimensional cup structure through a series of simple, predetermined folds rather than requiring complex manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is pre-folded or pre-creased during manufacturing to establish the basic geometry of the cup. These preliminary folds guide the user through the transformation process, reducing the complexity of the final assembly step and making the transformation more intuitive.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the substrate is made semi-stiff, then the discard cup structure is more stable, but it becomes harder to fold
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate has different stiffness characteristics in different regions - the panel areas are made stiffer to maintain cup structure stability, while the fold lines are made more flexible through scoring or creasing to facilitate easy folding. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between structural stability and foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate uses a composite structure combining stiff panels with flexible hinge regions. This could involve layered materials or varying thickness across the substrate, where the composite construction provides both the rigidity needed for cup stability and the flexibility needed for easy folding along score lines.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture for use in constructing a three-dimensional discard cup comprising a substantially square flexible substrate having a front side and back side, a first corner, a second corner, a third corner and a fourth corner. A center and two pairs of opposing corners, wherein the flexible substrate having diagonal mirror image cut lines in the shape of an L, a score line diagonal near the first corner and the third corner. A first wall is created by folding inward along the first score line and the flexible substrate is rotated 180 degrees preparing for the next fold along the second score line. A second wall is created by folding inward along the second score line, and the first wall the second wall are formed creating a pouch.