Reclosable Cup Lid Layout for Readable Printed Text
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup lids face challenges in making printed text easily readable due to its integration with the lid's design, which can obscure the text and make it difficult to discern, especially when the arm or sealing mechanisms cover it, and the text may not be visible in various lighting conditions or angles.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly design featuring a cover with printed text on a sloped surface opposite the drink opening, allowing for better visibility and alignment with a user's line of sight, and a cap with a flap that secures without covering the text, ensuring it remains readable in both open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If printed text is integrated into the lid surface, then branding and information can be displayed, but the text becomes difficult to read due to color matching and obstruction by sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printed text from the lid surface and places it on a separate insert or label that can be positioned independently. This allows the text to be removed from the background color interference and positioned in an unobstructed location, improving readability while maintaining the integrated appearance of the lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (insert, label, or overlay) that carries the printed text. This intermediary layer separates the text from the lid surface, allowing for contrasting colors and unobstructed visibility while still being part of the overall lid assembly.
2Reliability
If the arm or sealing mechanism is positioned to cover the text area, then the sealing function is improved, but the text becomes obscured and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the printed text on a different dimensional plane or location relative to the sealing mechanism. By placing text on the outer surface of the insert or label, or on a portion of the lid not covered by the sealing arm, the text remains visible while the sealing mechanism maintains its coverage for functional effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an asymmetric arrangement where the sealing mechanism and text are positioned on opposite sides or in non-overlapping zones. The sealing arm covers one area while the text is positioned in a different zone, eliminating the conflict between sealing coverage and text visibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the text is formed via deformation in the lid, then manufacturing is simplified, but the text has the same color as the surrounding lid and is not readily discernable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary insert or label with printed text that provides color contrast against the lid background. This intermediary element can be manufactured separately with high-contrast printing, then integrated into the lid assembly, maintaining ease of manufacture while solving the visibility problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction where the lid assembly includes multiple materials or layers with different optical properties. The text-bearing insert or label uses materials with contrasting colors or reflective properties that make the text readily discernible against the lid background.
Data Source
AI summary
A cup lid assembly includes a cover and a cap. The cover includes an annular mounting portion that secures the cover to the cup rim, an outer annular side wall, an annular upper ridge, an annular inner sidewall, and an interior portion. The annular upper ridge has a drink opening, and the annular inner sidewall slopes downward and inward from the annular upper ridge toward the interior portion. The cap is removably attachable to the cover and includes a main body arranged to be positioned over the interior portion of the cover and a hinged flap extending from the main body. The hinged flap includes a plug adapted to seal the drink opening. The annular inner sidewall has printed text provided on the sloped surface of the annular inner sidewall opposite the drink opening.