Reusable straw and case with integrated cleaning, drying and sanitizing member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reusable straws face challenges in cleaning, drying, and sanitizing, leading to unsanitary conditions and inconvenience in use and storage.

Innovation Solution

A personal, reusable straw system with a case that integrates cleaning, drying, and sanitizing mechanisms, including a holder, a fluid reservoir, a pump, a UV light source, and a heating element, to effectively wash, dry, and sanitize the straw.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a reusable straw is rinsed with water after use, then residue is removed from the straw, but the straw becomes wet and difficult to dry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitary conditionVSAvoiddrying difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual drying attempts with an automated airflow system. A blower motor positioned at one end of the straw channel forces air through the straw from one end to the other, effectively removing water and drying the interior surface without requiring manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The straw cleaning system performs multiple functions automatically without user intervention. The blower motor dries the straw, the UV lamp sanitizes it, and the heating element maintains appropriate temperature, all through automated operation after the user simply places the straw in the holder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a reusable straw is rinsed with water to remove residue, then cleanliness is improved, but water remains inside the straw creating unsanitary conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitary conditionVSAvoidwater retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive water retention with active air flow. The blower motor creates a unidirectional airflow through the straw that physically expels water droplets and moisture from the interior, preventing water retention and subsequent bacterial growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element raises the temperature within the straw channel, which can accelerate evaporation of residual water. This thermal energy causes water to transition from liquid to vapor phase, further ensuring complete drying and preventing water retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Reliability

If a UV light source is used to sanitize the straw, then bacterial contamination is reduced, but the external surface may not be fully sanitized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidsurface coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the two-dimensional limitation of direct UV exposure by introducing reflective surfaces within the straw holder. These reflectors bounce UV light from the lamp onto the exterior surface of the straw, ensuring that both interior and exterior surfaces receive adequate UV dosage for effective sanitization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If a heating element is used to dry the straw, then water evaporation is accelerated, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heating element with the blower motor system, where heated air is actively circulated through the straw by the blower. This integration ensures that thermal energy is efficiently delivered to moisture-laden areas and removed through forced air flow, reducing the total energy required compared to passive heating alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system provides a comprehensive solution for cleaning, drying, and sanitizing reusable straws, ensuring hygiene and convenience by effectively removing residue, drying the straw, and sanitizing both the interior and exterior surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a pump, positioned within the holder, configured to circulate the fluid through the straw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid circulation: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a UV light source, positioned within the holder, configured to emit light onto the straw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV radiation: Light

Implementation Method 3

a heating element, positioned within the holder, configured to heat the straw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12274384B2Reusable straw and case with integrated cleaning, drying and sanitizing member

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 GATTO JAMES G

AI summary

A personal, reusable straw and a case comprising a holder for the straw, where the case comprises one or more elements to flush, wash, clean, sanitize, and/or dry the straw in the holder. A pump may pump fluid from a fluid reservoir to lead fluid into and/or around the straw. A fan may blow air to the straw for drying the outside and/or inside of the straw. A heating element may dry the straw. A UV or other light source, along with one or more reflector elements, may provide or direct light to sanitize the outer and inner surfaces of the straw. A controller in the case may control these elements. The controller may include a wireless transceiver for communication with a mobile application to enable a user to control the elements manually and/or via a program.