Can Packaging Blank Extrusion With Tactile Outer Relief

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional can packaging deformation techniques result in corresponding changes to the inner surface, reducing interior space, complicating filling and emptying, and leading to residue retention.

Innovation Solution

A device for producing can packaging blanks using reverse extrusion with a die and press punch, featuring projections on the die wall that create haptically distinguishable outer surface designs without altering the inner surface, allowing for variable wall thickness and relief-like patterns on the outside while maintaining a smooth inner surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the outer surface of the can packaging is deformed to create haptic distinction, then the visual and tactile characteristics are improved, but the inner surface is also deformed which reduces interior space and complicates filling and emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter surface structureVSAvoidinterior space
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The die wall is segmented into multiple regions: a first region with a smooth inner surface for maintaining interior space, and a second region with projections for creating outer surface structure. This segmentation allows independent optimization of inner and outer surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaping function is extracted from the entire die wall and concentrated only in the second region with projections. This allows the first region to maintain a smooth inner surface while the second region provides the desired outer surface structure through its projections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Shape

If the outer surface is deformed to create characteristic patterns, then the haptic distinguishability is improved, but the inner surface deformation promotes residue retention and makes emptying more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter surface patternVSAvoidemptying efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The die wall is divided into functional zones: the first region maintains a smooth inner surface for reliable emptying, while the second region with projections creates the desired outer surface patterns. This segmentation ensures that pattern formation does not compromise emptying efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the die wall are given different surface qualities: the first region has a smooth surface for reliable emptying, while the second region has projections for creating haptic patterns. This local differentiation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If projections are added to the die wall for outer surface structuring, then the haptic distinguishability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter surface designVSAvoiddie structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than making the entire die wall complex, only the second region is equipped with projections for outer surface structuring. The first region remains simple and smooth, minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired haptic distinguishability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 can packaging with a tactilely distinguishable outer surface that can be filled and emptied easily with minimal residue, ensuring a tight connection for the cap and maintaining a continuous inner surface for efficient filling and emptying.

Implementation Method 1

The invention provides an apparatus for producing a can packaging blank by reverse extrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReverse extrusion: Extrusion

Implementation Method 2

An extrusion process is a forming process in which a workpiece is formed using compressive stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive stress: Compression

Implementation Method 3

The direction of flow of the material relative to the direction of punch movement provides the basis for the distinction between forward extrusion and backward extrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMaterial flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3837063B1Can packaging, and apparatus and method for the production of its blank
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 LINHARDT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3837063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3837063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3837063B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for producing a can packaging blank (10) by backward extrusion. The apparatus has a die (2) and an extrusion punch (3), wherein the die (2) has a die base (2.1) and a die wall (2.2) having a die wall height HG. The die wall (2.2) has, in the region thereof adjacent to the die base (2.1), at least one protrusion (4) having predetermined width (B), predetermined height (H), predetermined depth (T) and predetermined cross-section, wherein the height (H) of the protrusion (4) equals 95% of the die wall height (HG) at maximum.