Can End Moveable Panel for Tab Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing easy-open can ends with collapsible protrusions face challenges in providing sufficient tab access for larger diameter cans, as the protrusion must be centrally located for stackability, making it difficult to form a deep enough finger well for easy opening, and the non-planar surface complicates printing and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A moveable portion on the can end, which transitions from a convex to a concave state or vice versa, displaces the tab handle away from the end panel to create a gap for finger access, allowing for independent finger access regardless of can diameter and maintaining a planar surface for printing, using mechanisms like deformation or bistable panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collapsible protrusion is added under the tab handle to create finger access, then tab accessibility is improved, but the can end diameter must be reduced or the protrusion depth becomes impractically deep for large diameter cans
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to be movable between two stable states: a first state where the tab handle is close to the can end surface for compact stacking, and a second state where the panel moves to create a gap for finger access. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve both stacking and opening functions without compromising either can diameter or tab accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The can end panel is segmented into a movable portion and a fixed portion. The movable portion can shift relative to the fixed portion to create the finger access gap, allowing the tab handle to be positioned away from the can end surface only when needed for opening, while maintaining close positioning during storage and transport
2Ease of operation
If a deep collapsible protrusion is formed to provide finger well, then finger access is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material stretching increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming a permanently deep protrusion that requires extensive material stretching and complex forming operations, the invention uses a movable panel that creates the finger well depth dynamically through its motion. The panel moves to position the tab handle away from the can end, creating the necessary gap without requiring the panel itself to be deeply protruding in its manufactured state
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of panel position rather than panel geometry. By moving the panel between two positions (close to surface for stacking, away for access), it achieves the functional equivalent of a deep finger well without the manufacturing complexity of actually forming a deep protrusion
3Productivity
If the tab handle is positioned close to the can end surface for stacking, then stackability is improved, but finger access for opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The panel's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. In the stacked state, the panel remains in the first position with the tab handle close to the can end surface for efficient stacking. When opening is needed, the panel moves to the second position, creating a gap that allows easy finger insertion and tab manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The movable panel serves dual functions automatically: it enables compact stacking when in the first position and provides finger access when in the second position. The user simply needs to move the panel to access the tab, and the system self-adjusts between stacking and opening modes without requiring separate mechanisms
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
This design provides efficient stacking and easy opening by creating a gap under the tab handle without the need for a dedicated finger well, suitable for various can diameters and allowing for easier printing on the can end surface, while maintaining efficient stackability.
Implementation Method 1
the moveable portion deformable from a predetermined first state to a predetermined second state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an easily openable (1) can end which provides an improved way of providing finger access under the tab for a consumer. A can end is disclosed having an end pane (2)1, the end panel including a moveable portion (7) on which the tab is mounted. Finger access is provided by the moveable portion being moveable from a predetermined first state to a predetermined second state to thereby displace the handle of the tab away from the end panel and define a gap between the handle of the tab and the end panel suitable for finger access by a user.