Insulated Cellular Polymer Sleeve for Container Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers, such as cups, lack effective insulation and durability, particularly when exposed to hot or cold beverages, and do not offer a suitable surface for printing graphics or information.
Innovation Solution
An insulative container system comprising a cup and a sleeve made of insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material, which allows for localized plastic deformation to create segments of varying densities, providing both thermal insulation and a printable surface without fracturing, and can be formed into various configurations for enhanced grip and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional containers are used, then manufacturing is simple, but insulation performance is insufficient and durability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a cup made of thermoformed material with a sleeve made of insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material. This composite structure provides both structural integrity and thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and sufficient insulation performance. The sleeve acts as an insulating layer that maintains temperature of beverages while the cup provides structural support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the insulative sleeve undergoes localized plastic deformation to create varying density segments, then manufacturing flexibility and grip enhancement are improved, but the material may fracture and lose insulative characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating segments of varying density within the insulative sleeve through localized plastic deformation. Different portions of the sleeve have different densities - some areas are more compressed for structural support and grip enhancement, while other areas maintain lower density for optimal insulation. This localized variation in material properties allows the sleeve to provide both mechanical strength and thermal insulation without fracturing, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing flexibility and maintaining insulative characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container lacks a suitable surface for printing, then manufacturing is simpler, but information display and branding capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the cup and sleeve into an integrated structure where the sleeve provides both insulation and a suitable surface for printing graphics and information. The sleeve's outer surface serves as an ideal substrate for branding and informational displays, while its inner surface provides thermal insulation. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate printing surfaces and maintains manufacturing efficiency while adding versatility.
4Ease of manufacture
If the container structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but durability and puncture resistance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a thermoformed cup with an insulative cellular polymeric sleeve. The cup provides structural support and puncture resistance, while the sleeve adds insulation and durability. This composite structure enhances overall strength and puncture resistance compared to a single-material container, while maintaining ease of manufacture through separate component fabrication and assembly.
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 system effectively maintains insulation and provides a durable, printable surface for the container, enhancing user comfort by reducing heat transfer and offering puncture resistance while allowing for efficient manufacturing and recyclability.
Implementation Method 1
an insulative sleeve made of insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material... to insulate a consumer holding the cup from hot or cold temperatures associated with materials or beverages stored in the cup
Implementation Method 2
configured to provide means for enabling localized plastic deformation in the sheet to provide a plastically deformed first material segment having a first density located in a first portion of the sheet and a second material segment having a second density lower than the first density located in an adjacent second portion of the sheet without fracturing
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a cup formed to include and interior region and an insulated sleeve. The insulated sleeve is coupled to an outer surface of the cup.