Aerosol Can Cover Unit with Offset Latching Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol spray paint can designs with flush can bodies create a step-like shoulder when connecting the lid unit, which is aesthetically undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped cover unit with a latching element offset from its outer edge, allowing it to be latched underneath the can body, covering the upper fold section and creating a flush transition, while also featuring a predetermined breaking point for irreversible separation to prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the lid unit is connected to the can body via a fold section in conventional designs, then the connection is secure, but a step-like shoulder is created that is aesthetically undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is divided into functional zones: an outer edge that extends beyond the fold section to provide aesthetic coverage, and an inward-offset latching element that provides secure connection. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently, achieving both flush appearance and secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element is positioned in a different radial dimension (inward from the outer edge) rather than at the outermost boundary. This dimensional offset allows the latching mechanism to operate beneath the fold section level, enabling the outer edge to extend further outward for aesthetic purposes without compromising connection security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the latching element is positioned at the outer edge of the cover element, then the connection is strong, but the fold section remains visible and accessible from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The latching function is extracted from the outer edge position and relocated to an inward-offset position. This separation allows the outer edge to fulfill its aesthetic function of covering the fold section completely, while the latching element provides secure attachment from its relocated position beneath the fold section level.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring section formed between the outer edge and latching element acts as an intermediary structure that covers the fold section. This intermediate zone provides aesthetic coverage while the latching element operates independently beneath it, achieving both visual concealment and mechanical strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cover unit allows easy removal for recycling, then recyclability is improved, but tampering becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
A predetermined breaking point is introduced into the cover element structure before use. This breaking point is positioned such that normal recycling procedures can access and utilize it for separation, while the breaking point's design ensures that any removal attempt (whether legitimate or tampering) results in irreversible damage to the cover element, providing anti-tampering capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The cover unit (1) has an annular cover element (2), through which the cover unit is connected with a front side of an aerosol spray paint can. The annular cover element has a snap-in element (11) in the area of an outer edge (10), which projects away from the inner surface (5) of the annular cover element. The snap-in element is displaced inwards with respect to the outer edge in the direction of a longitudinal axis (12) such that a ring section (13) is limited between the snap-in element and the outer edge. An independent claim is included for an aerosol spray paint can with a cylindrical base body.