Insulated Sleeve for Container Using Cellular Polymeric Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers, such as cups, lack effective insulation and durability, particularly in maintaining temperature and resisting punctures, while also being difficult to recycle and print high-resolution graphics on.
Innovation Solution
The development of an insulative container comprising a cup with an insulative sleeve made from cellular non-aromatic polymeric material that allows localized plastic deformation, providing a thermal barrier and puncture resistance, and can be recycled, with the ability to print high-resolution graphics on its surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional materials like expanded polystyrene are used for insulation, then thermal insulation is provided, but puncture resistance and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a cup (inner layer) with an insulative sleeve (outer layer). The sleeve is made from insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material that provides both thermal insulation and improved puncture resistance compared to conventional expanded polystyrene. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both thermal protection and mechanical durability.
2Temperature
If high insulation is achieved with thick material, then temperature maintenance improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative sleeve is constructed as a flexible cylindrical shell that can be easily formed and assembled. The cellular polymeric material provides effective insulation with relatively thin walls, avoiding the need for complex multi-layer structures. The sleeve can be manufactured as a simple cylindrical form that fits over the cup, maintaining temperature without excessive structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used, then manufacturing is simple, but recyclability is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using non-aromatic polymeric material with particular cellular structure characteristics that balance manufacturability and recyclability. The material parameters are selected to enable both easy formation of the insulative sleeve and improved recyclability compared to conventional expanded polystyrene, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and environmental sustainability.
4Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution graphics are printed on the container, then visual quality improves, but the material surface properties must be specifically controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative sleeve provides a uniform outer surface with consistent texture and porosity characteristics that are optimized for high-resolution printing. The cellular polymeric material structure creates an ideal substrate for graphic application, allowing high-quality printing without requiring additional surface preparation or complex coating processes. The local surface properties are naturally suited for printing applications.
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 effectively maintains temperature, resists punctures, and allows for high-resolution printing, while being recyclable and offering improved durability and insulation compared to traditional materials like expanded polystyrene.
Implementation Method 1
an insulative sleeve made from cellular non-aromatic polymeric material that allows localized plastic deformation, providing a thermal barrier
Implementation Method 2
made from cellular non-aromatic polymeric material that allows localized plastic deformation, providing a thermal barrier and puncture resistance
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.