Beverage can holding apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage can holding devices fail to securely lock onto cans and provide a means for user identification, making it difficult to carry and distinguish between opened cans in social settings.
Innovation Solution
A cam lever with a hook end and clamping mechanism, combined with a cover assembly and identification reservoir, securely attaches to the beverage can and allows user identification through a personalized marker or artifact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple holding device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the locking security is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lever is designed to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to the can lid. The cam mechanism transforms rotational motion of the lever into linear clamping motion, providing secure locking when engaged and easy release when disengaged. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by enabling strong locking security through mechanical motion rather than complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever incorporates a curved cam surface that interacts with a corresponding curved surface on the clamp. This curvature allows for smooth transition between locked and unlocked states, and the cam geometry inherently provides mechanical advantage and self-locking characteristics. The curved design achieves reliable locking through geometric constraints rather than complex fastening mechanisms.
2Loss of information
If no identification mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to identify the user's can is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes an identification window that can display different colors or visual indicators to represent different users or states. This allows users to quickly identify their own cans without complex electronic displays or multiple physical components. The color-based identification system resolves the contradiction by providing clear user differentiation through simple visual changes rather than complex identification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification mechanism uses a simplified visual copy or representation (such as a colored indicator or simple graphic) rather than requiring full user information storage or complex authentication. This lightweight copying approach enables user identification while maintaining device simplicity, resolving the contradiction between information retention and device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the can is left open, then the ease of operation is high, but sanitary contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a cover assembly that automatically positions itself to cover the can opening when the can is inserted. This preliminary action of covering the opening occurs before the user needs to drink, preventing contamination without requiring the user to manually close the can. The cam lever mechanism can also be designed to hold the cover in place, providing sanitary protection while maintaining ease of use through automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly is designed to be self-positioning and self-latching through the cam mechanism. When the user inserts the can and operates the lever, the cover automatically moves into the closed position and secures itself without requiring separate manual intervention. This self-service approach prevents contamination while maintaining ease of operation, as the single lever action simultaneously secures the can and closes the cover.
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 carrying and easy identification of the beverage can, preventing confusion and ensuring sanitary handling by locking onto the can and providing a personalized identification method.
Implementation Method 1
a cam lever (20) having a hook end (21) operable for engaging the pull tab (14) and a clamping end (22) opposite the hook end
Implementation Method 2
having an inner surface operable to engage an outer surface of the lip (16) of the beverage can (12) when actuated
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage can holding apparatus for holding a beverage can includes a cam lever having a hook end engaging a pull tab and a clamping end defining a bore. A pin is positioned in the bore for pivotal movement of the cam lever thereabout. A cam handle member includes an actuator end coupled to the pin and an opposing finger ring, the actuator end having an irregular shape having narrow and expanded portions acting as a cam. A clamp is coupled to the cam handle member for engaging an outer surface of the lip of the beverage can. The cam handle member is a cam that selectively locks the cam lever onto the beverage can. A cover assembly is removably coupled to the cam lever, the cover base having a lip portion operable for engaging the lip of the beverage can and covering the drink opening of the beverage can.