Tapered Paper Cup Shell for Reduced Waste and Efficient Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper cups with folded or rolled outer shells require more material and are less environmentally friendly due to material wastage, and they do not stack efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A paper cup design with a single-layered, sharply tapered outer shell that forms a constriction at the lower end, creating an insulating air gap and allowing for easy stacking without material wastage, using hot melt adhesive for secure attachment to the inner cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the outer shell is folded or rolled at the lower end to form a base, then the cup structure is stabilized, but material wastage increases and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into two distinct conical regions: an upper region with a first cone angle and a lower region with a second, larger cone angle. This segmentation allows the lower region to form a constriction that provides structural stability without requiring folding or rolling, thereby eliminating material wastage associated with traditional base formation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The cone angle parameter is changed between the upper and lower regions of the outer shell. The lower region has a larger cone angle (second cone angle) compared to the upper region (first cone angle), creating a constriction at the lower end that provides structural stability without material loss from folding or rolling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the outer shell is folded or rolled at the lower end, then the cup maintains its shape, but stacking efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is segmented into upper and lower conical regions with different angles, creating a constriction at the lower end. This segmentation maintains the cup's shape through geometric design rather than folding or rolling, enabling efficient stacking of multiple cups.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the cone angle parameter from the upper region to the lower region, the design creates a constriction that maintains structural integrity while optimizing the cup's profile for efficient stacking, thereby improving productivity.
3Strength
If the outer shell is folded or rolled at the lower end, then structural integrity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into two conical sections with different angles, creating a constriction that provides structural integrity. This geometric segmentation eliminates the need for folding or rolling operations, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cone angle parameter is varied between upper and lower regions to create a constriction that inherently provides structural integrity without requiring complex folding or rolling operations, thereby reducing manufacturing process complexity.
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 reduces material usage, enhances environmental friendliness, and facilitates efficient stacking of multiple cups while maintaining insulation and grip comfort, even with hot beverages.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating air gap is formed between the outer shell and the shell of the inner cup
Implementation Method 2
using hot melt or melt adhesive
Data Source
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AI summary
A cup made of paper or paper-like material with a fillable interior formed by a shell and a base, wherein the base is attached to the shell at the lower end of the interior by means of a frame in a substantially liquid-tight manner, wherein a lower edge of the frame forms a base for the cup, wherein the cup has an outer shell, wherein the outer shell consists of a flat blank of paper or paper-like material, the longitudinal edges of which are at least partially connected to one another in an overlap area, so that the outer shell forms a sleeve, wherein the outer shell has a frustoconical shape with a first cone angle at least up to a predefined distance from its lower end and is formed in a single layer at least from the predefined distance to the lower end, with the exception of the overlap area.where the mantle tapers more sharply in the lower area from the predefined distance to the lower end, at least in sections, than in the area above the predefined distance.