Segmented Flange Insulating Holder for Disposable Beverage Cups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders for disposable beverage cups lack secure insertion mechanisms and reliable lid retention, leading to potential spills during handling and inadequate thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder with an insulating design featuring a segmented upward-facing flange allowing finger contact during insertion, combined with a retaining mechanism such as a threaded connection, snap fit, magnetic, or rotary clamp to securely hold the cup and lid, along with optional features like a cup support ring and drinking port cover for enhanced stability and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an unbroken upward-facing flange is used to support the cup, then thermal insulation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because fingers cannot contact the cup during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The upward-facing flange is segmented into multiple sections with gaps between them, allowing fingers to contact and grip the cup during insertion while the flange segments collectively maintain thermal insulation by surrounding the cup
2Reliability
If the lid is made to fit securely on the cup, then reliability improves, but ease of operation worsens because the cup cannot be easily grasped by the bead for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented flange design allows the cup to be grasped through the gaps during insertion while the lid remains securely attached to the cup through its snap-fit connection to the peripheral bead
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral bead acts as an intermediary element that the lid grips to secure itself, while the segmented flange provides an alternative gripping path for user fingers during insertion
3Reliability
If a retaining mechanism is added to secure the cup and lid, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is integrated with the existing flange structure, combining the support function with the retention function in a unified design that minimizes additional components
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
Enables secure and convenient insertion of disposable cups, minimizes spill risk, and maintains beverage temperature through effective insulation and optional heating or cooling mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating holder configured to securely contain a disposable beverage cup while limiting the flow of heat to or from the contents of the cup
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating holder is provided for a conventional disposable beverage cup. The insulating holder includes an upward-facing flange that supports the beverage cup at its peripheral bead and without interfering with a disposable lid that may be fitted to the cup by snap fit over the peripheral bead. The insulating holder further includes a retaining mechanism that holds the disposable cup and lid in the holder without interfering with the ability of the user to drink from the cup. The insulating holder further includes means to facilitate insertion of the cup into the holder without requiring the user to hold the cup either by its bead or by the lid.