Antibacterial Can Rim Protector With Inner-Outer Skirt Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drink cans with ring-pull openings are a frequent source of disease transmission due to unprotected edges that can harbor bacteria, posing risks such as leptospirosis from contact with contaminated animal fluids.
Innovation Solution
An antibacterial protector made of biodegradable material with an inner and outer skirt and hypoallergenic adhesive, covering the can edge to prevent bacterial entry and featuring a tab for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the can edge is left unprotected, then the can structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but bacteria and contaminants can directly contact the mouth, causing disease transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is divided into distinct functional segments: an upper part covering the can edge, an outer skirt extending downward, and an inner skirt forming a barrier. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific protective function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector acts as an intermediary element between the contaminated can edge and the user's mouth. It creates a physical barrier that prevents direct contact while allowing the can structure to remain simple and unchanged.
2Reliability
If a protector is added to the can, then bacterial contamination is prevented, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is made as a flexible, thin-film structure that can be easily applied to the can edge. This thin-film approach maintains protection effectiveness while minimizing manufacturing complexity and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects against bacterial contamination, provides structural support for labeling, and acts as an advertising medium. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying overall manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the protector uses traditional adhesive materials, then attachment is secure, but allergic reactions may occur in users
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material's chemical composition is changed to meet hypoallergenic standards while maintaining adequate attachment strength. This parameter change in material composition allows secure attachment without causing allergic reactions.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the protector is made from non-biodegradable material, then durability is improved, but environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is designed as a disposable, biodegradable element that can be safely discarded after use. This approach prioritizes environmental friendliness over long-term durability, allowing the protector to decompose naturally without harming the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition is changed from non-biodegradable to biodegradable polymers or natural materials. This parameter change in material properties maintains sufficient durability for the protector's intended use period while enabling environmental decomposition.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the protector covers the entire can edge, then maximum protection is achieved, but the can opening becomes difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is segmented into an upper protective part and lower skirt portions that extend downward but do not block the opening. This segmentation allows maximum edge protection while maintaining easy access to the drink opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector extends vertically downward from the can edge rather than horizontally across the opening. This dimensional change in protective coverage allows protection of the vulnerable edge area without obstructing the circular opening for drinking.
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
Provides effective protection against bacterial contamination, is environmentally friendly, and can be reused or recycled, while also serving as a labeling support.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface of the protector is provided with a hypoallergenic adhesive material in order to prevent unwanted reactions in users.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an antibacterial protector for drink cans that comprises an upper part (1) partially covering the upper part of the can (5) and fitted to the edge thereof, wherein an outer vertical perimeter skirt (2) extends from the edge of the upper part in contact with the upper edge of the can (5), and an inner skirt (3) extends from the edge of the upper part (1) in the space inside the can, the inner skirt preventing access to the space defined below the upper part (1), at least one end of the vertical perimeter skirt (2) comprising a tab or flap (4) to facilitate the removal of the protector. In addition to the inside face of the protector, at least the outer vertical perimeter skirt (2) comprises a hypoallergenic adhesive. The invention prevents the drink can from becoming contaminated or infected with bacteria, especially in the area that comes into direct contact with the mouth.