Multi-Layer Foldable Cup Sleeve for Enhanced Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup sleeves provide inadequate heat protection and are wasteful due to poor insulating properties and single-use design, often requiring additional products like napkins and lid plugs for heat and spill protection.
Innovation Solution
A foldable cup sleeve made from absorbent material with multiple layers, designed to engage with the cup's outer circumference, providing thermal protection and serving as both a napkin and thermal barrier, which can be unfolded for additional uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cup sleeves are made from paperboard or similar materials, then they are easy to manufacture and dispose, but they provide poor thermal insulation and require additional products like napkins and lid plugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (thermal insulation, absorbency, and structural support) into a single cup sleeve by integrating an inner sleeve with multiple layers of insulating material and an outer sleeve with absorbent properties, eliminating the need for separate napkins and lid plugs
Solution Approach 2:
The cup sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the inner sleeve provides thermal insulation through multiple layers of material, while the outer sleeve absorbs spills and provides structural support, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple single-use products
2Adaptability or versatility
If single-use cup sleeves are used, then they are easy to manufacture and dispose, but they generate waste and lack additional functions
Solution Approach 1:
The cup sleeve is designed as a multi-functional product that serves as a thermal barrier, absorbent material, and structural support simultaneously, reducing the need for additional single-use products like napkins and lid plugs, thereby reducing overall waste generation
3Reliability
If conventional cup sleeve shapes are used, then they are easy to manufacture, but they do not optimize insulation protection for natural finger placement
Solution Approach 1:
The cup sleeve features a non-uniform thickness distribution with the thickest section positioned at the location corresponding to natural finger placement, providing enhanced insulation where it is most needed while maintaining a relatively simple overall cylindrical shape that is easy to manufacture
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 cup sleeve offers superior thermal protection, reduces the need for multiple single-use products, and can be reused as a napkin or paper towel, enhancing user comfort and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the material is adapted to provide thermal protection
Implementation Method 2
The foldable material has absorbent properties
Data Source
AI summary
A cup sleeve includes a material folded into a shape adapted to receive a cup and to engage with an outer circumference of a cup. The material is adapted to provide thermal protection. The cup sleeve includes a first section having a selected number of layers of the material, and a second section having three times the selected number of layers of the material. A method of manufacturing the cup sleeve is also provided.