Embossed Paper Cup Stiffeners for Heat Insulation and Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper cups are prone to deformation and lack heat insulation and anti-sliding properties due to their single-layered structure and gaps between inner and outer cup bodies in double-layered designs.
Innovation Solution
A paper cup design featuring uneven stiffeners on the surface of single or double-layered cup bodies, made from polyethylene or polylactic acid coated paper, which are embossed and shaped to provide structural integrity, thermal insulation, and anti-sliding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-layered structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the intensity is low and the cup deforms easily when filled with hot water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces uneven stiffeners with varying heights (first, second, and third heights) arranged in different regions of the cup body. These stiffeners provide localized reinforcement where needed most, particularly near the base and rim areas prone to deformation, while maintaining overall structural integrity without requiring a complete multi-layered construction throughout the entire cup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat paper structure to a three-dimensional form by incorporating uneven stiffeners that extend outward from the cup body surface. This dimensional addition creates structural rigidity and resistance to deformation without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the stiffeners are formed through embossing during the cup making process.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-layered structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the heat insulation capability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The uneven stiffeners create localized air pockets and thermal barriers between the inner and outer surfaces of the cup wall. These three-dimensional structures interrupt heat transfer pathways, providing enhanced thermal insulation at critical areas without requiring a complete double-layered construction that would complicate manufacturing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-layered structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the anti-sliding property is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The uneven stiffeners protruding from the outer surface of the cup body create localized friction points and tactile feedback when the cup is held. This local surface modification enhances grip and prevents slipping without requiring a complete textured surface or additional gripping features, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving ergonomics.
4Strength
If a double-layered structure with gap is used, then the intensity is strengthened and heat insulation is improved, but the cup body becomes uneven and deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple layers into a single-layered structure by incorporating uneven stiffeners that provide both structural reinforcement and thermal insulation properties. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate inner and outer cup layers, preventing the unevenness and deformation issues associated with multi-layer construction while maintaining the benefits of enhanced strength and insulation.
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 paper cup achieves enhanced strength, prevents deformation when filled with water, and offers effective thermal insulation and anti-sliding properties due to the uneven stiffeners.
Implementation Method 1
heating the special cylinder via a hot pressure, or heating the printed side of the PE or the PLA coated paper via an infrared ray; and embossing the printed side via the special cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the gap easily causes unevenness and deformation of the cup body... has a good heat insulation capability due to the gap between the inner and the outer cup body
Implementation Method 3
The paper cup is anti-sliding... offers effective thermal insulation and anti-sliding properties due to the uneven stiffeners
Data Source
AI summary
A paper cup, including: a cup body including a surface, and a base. A plurality of uneven stiffeners are arranged on the surface of the cup body. A method for preparing the paper cup includes: 1) selecting polyethylene (PE) or polylactic acid (PLA) coated paper as a raw material, the PE or the PLA coated paper including: a coated side, and a printed side; 2) printing a figure on the printed side of the PE or the PLA coated paper; 3) embossing uneven stiffeners on the paper via an embossing device; 4) cutting the paper into a shape of a section as a cup body via a die cutting machine; 5) shaping the cup body and the base into the paper cup via a molding machine; and 6) sterilizing, and packaging the paper cups.