Stackable Cup Assembly With Watertight Threaded Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable container assemblies either fail to form a water-tight seal or reduce the storage volume due to design limitations, limiting their use for storing liquids and other fluids.
Innovation Solution
A stackable cup assembly with containers featuring a coupling mechanism using external and internal threads, along with elastomeric colored bands that form a water-tight seal when engaged, allowing for the stacking and use of containers to store solids, semi-solids, and liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers are configured to snap or click together for stacking, then stacking ease is improved, but water-tight seal is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two distinct mechanisms: a snap-fit coupling mechanism for stacking containers together, and a separate lid coupling mechanism with threads and elastomeric bands for creating water-tight seals. This segmentation allows each mechanism to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastomeric coupling band acts as an intermediary element between the lid's coupling mechanism and the container's coupling mechanism. This elastomeric band deforms to engage with the coupling structures, providing both the mechanical connection for stacking and the sealing function for water-tight containment.
2Reliability
If threaded coupling mechanisms are used to couple containers, then water-tight seal is improved, but storage volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid's coupling mechanism is nested within the container's coupling mechanism during engagement. The elastomeric coupling band is received within a cavity formed by the coupling structures, allowing the sealing mechanism to be contained within the overall container-lid assembly without adding external bulk that would reduce storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric coupling band functions as a flexible sealing element that deforms to create water-tight seals. This flexible film approach provides effective sealing without requiring rigid threaded structures that would protrude into the storage cavity and reduce usable volume.
3Reliability
If elastomeric coupling bands are used for sealing, then water-tight seal is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and the mechanical coupling function are merged into a single elastomeric coupling band. This band simultaneously provides the water-tight seal and the mechanical engagement necessary for stacking, eliminating the need for separate sealing gaskets and coupling structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric coupling band serves multiple functions: it creates water-tight seals, provides mechanical coupling for stacking, and accommodates the geometric variations between container and lid coupling mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized 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 the creation of a stackable and reusable container system that maintains a water-tight seal, allowing for the storage of various substances, including liquids, while maintaining a compact design and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric colored bands that form a water-tight seal when engaged
Data Source
AI summary
A cup assembly configured to be coupled to a second cup assembly is provided. The cup assembly includes a container having an open top, a closed bottom base, and a sidewall extending between the open top and the base. The open top, the base, and the sidewall define a cavity of the container. The cup assembly further includes a lid configured to removably couple to the container. The lid includes a lower portion configured to be received within the cavity of the container to couple the lid to the container.