Re-closable Lid Cap with Pivot Structure for Beverage Cans
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low-cost, re-closeable cap solution for beverage cans that provides easy access and hygienic protection by mimicking the motor task memory of opening a can, while being easy to understand and use, and capable of controlling beverage flow and preventing contaminants from entering the can.
Innovation Solution
A re-closeable lid cap system integrated with the lid assembly of a beverage can, featuring a cap groove and cap plate with a pivot structure, adhesive or mechanical attachment, and a reconfigurable portion that can change between relaxed and collapsed configurations for easy use and packaging, allowing for nested stacking and efficient packaging protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a re-closeable cap is integrated with the lid assembly, then hygienic protection and beverage flow control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is merged with the lid assembly to form an integrated unit. The cap includes a cap plate with a pivot structure that is directly attached to the lid assembly, eliminating the need for separate cap and lid components. This integration maintains hygienic protection while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure serves multiple functions: it provides hygienic protection by covering the aperture, controls beverage flow through the pivot structure, and enables easy opening and closing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pivot structure is added for selective aperture closing, then beverage flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap plate incorporates a pivot structure that allows dynamic movement between open and closed positions. This dynamic element enables beverage flow control without requiring complex mechanical systems, as the pivot structure relies on simple rotational motion and gravity for operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cap is designed for easy attachment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but attachment strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cap groove is pre-formed on the cap plate during manufacturing, allowing for easy and consistent attachment to the lid assembly. This preliminary preparation of the attachment interface ensures both ease of manufacture and reliable attachment strength, as the groove geometry is optimized during the molding process to provide adequate mechanical interlocking.
Data Source
AI summary
Lid caps outfit lid assemblies thereby providing lid-cap combinations for beverage cans. The lid assemblies include a lid rim portion, a lid capping plate, and a can opener element and are attached to a lower can body for forming a beverage can. The lid caps include a cap plate centrally located relative to an outer cap periphery. A cap groove is configured to firstly attach the lid cap to the lid assembly by mated engagement, and may include a pivot structure for providing a can-opening access aperture and closing the can-opening access aperture. In certain embodiments, the cap plate includes a fastener-letting aperture. The can opener element is attached to the lid capping plate via a fastener as extended through the fastener-letting aperture thereby sandwiching the cap plate intermediate the can opener element and the lid capping plate for secondly attaching the lid cap to the lid assembly.