Insulative Cup Sleeve With Local Density Variation for Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated cups do not effectively provide a grippable low-temperature thermal barrier that maintains insulative characteristics while allowing for localized plastic deformation without fracturing, and they lack a suitable surface for displaying artwork or text.
Innovation Solution
An insulative sleeve made of cellular non-aromatic polymeric material with varying densities, allowing for localized plastic deformation and integration of a skin for printing, is coupled to the cup to provide both insulation and a printable surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the insulative sleeve is made of uniform density material, then manufacturing is simpler, but localized plastic deformation causes fracturing
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material is configured with non-uniform density distribution, having a first density in a first portion and a second density lower than the first density in a second portion. This local variation in material properties enables the material to undergo localized plastic deformation without fracturing, while maintaining overall insulative characteristics.
2Strength
If the insulative sleeve uses high-density material, then structural strength is improved, but insulative characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The material configuration provides different densities in different portions of the insulative sleeve. The first portion with higher density provides structural strength, while the second portion with lower density maintains insulative characteristics. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and insulation.
3Ease of operation
If the insulative sleeve material is made deformable, then ease of operation is improved, but insulative characteristics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material is configured to enable localized plastic deformation in specific portions while maintaining insulative characteristics. The non-uniform density distribution allows deformation in areas where it is needed for operation while preserving insulation in critical areas.
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 insulative characteristics while enabling deformation and provides a surface for graphics, enhancing user grip and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an insulative sleeve made of a sheet comprising an 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
Data Source
AI summary
An insulative container includes a wall and a floor. The wall is formed from an insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material having an area of plastic deformation. There are no fractures in the insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material so that a predetermined insulative characteristic is maintained in the material.