Reusable beverage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reusable beverage containers face issues with lid security, leakage prevention, and manufacturing complexity due to sharp edges and non-uniform profiles, which affect usability and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A reusable beverage container design featuring a glass cup with a smooth frustoconical mouth and an elastomeric lid skirt that snugly fits and seals, providing a leak-proof and ergonomic cylindrical profile, manufactured using conventional glass forming techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional glass forming techniques are used with sharp edges and snap-on collars, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but lid security and leakage prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the mouth with a smooth frustoconical surface instead of sharp edges, and the elastomeric skirt conforms to this curved surface to create a seamless cylindrical profile. This curvature eliminates snap-on collars while maintaining lid security through the friction and conformal fit of the elastomeric material against the curved glass surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mouth by creating a frustoconical shape with specific angle and dimensions, and changes the material parameter by using elastomeric material for the skirt that can deform and conform to the glass surface. These parameter changes enable secure lid engagement without complex manufacturing features.
2Ease of manufacture
If smooth frustoconical mouth is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sealing effectiveness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastomeric skirt that acts as a flexible shell conforming to the smooth frustoconical glass mouth. The elastomeric material's flexibility allows it to deform and seal effectively against the smooth curved surface, compensating for any minor imperfections and ensuring leakage prevention without requiring sharp edges or complex manufacturing features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines glass (rigid, smooth surface) with elastomeric material (flexible, conforming) to create a composite sealing system. The glass provides the easy-to-manufacture smooth frustoconical shape while the elastomeric material provides the sealing effectiveness, with each material compensating for the other's limitations.
3Reliability
If elastomeric skirt thickens towards lower edge is used, then lid security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of the elastomeric skirt specifically at the lower edge where it contacts the glass mouth, making it thicker in this critical sealing region while keeping other parts thinner. This localized thickening enhances sealing and security only where needed, without adding overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses lid security by adding dimensional variation in the vertical dimension of the elastomeric skirt (thickening towards the lower edge) rather than adding horizontal complexity or additional components. This vertical dimensional change provides enhanced sealing and security through the increased material presence at the critical interface.
4Ease of operation
If smooth frustoconical mouth without sharp edges is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the elastomeric skirt to self-adjust and self-seal against the smooth frustoconical mouth through its inherent elasticity and conformability. The material deforms to match the glass surface geometry automatically, eliminating the need for precision-matched rigid components or sharp edges, and providing self-aligning engagement that is easy to operate.
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 design ensures easy lid engagement and disengagement, prevents leakage, and allows for mass production without sharp edges or snap-on collars, enhancing user experience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The lid comprises a top section and an elastomeric (rubber-like) skirt... The inner frustoconical surface conforms in shape and size to the outer frustoconical surface of the mouth
Implementation Method 2
when engaged to the mouth resists pulling therefrom, tightly hugs the mouth and comprises sufficient smooth contact surface area to prevent leakage therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable beverage container has a glass cup having a formed mouth having a smooth exterior frustoconical surface which widens in exterior diameter towards a rim of the mouth. The mouth has a height of greater than 15 mm. A lid engages the mouth. The lid has a top section and an elastomeric skirt, the top section having a drinking aperture therethrough and the skirt defining an inner frustoconical surface and an outer surface. The inner frustoconical surface conforms in shape and size to the outer frustoconical surface and the skirt thickening towards a lower edge thereof.