Can End Moveable Portion Restraint Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can ends with moveable portions require mechanical force to deform into a position that provides clearance for easy opening, which can be inefficient and may not utilize internal pressure differentials effectively, making them difficult to open and requiring additional mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing can ends with a moveable portion beneath the pull tab, where the can end is restrained to move the portion from a downward to an upward position using specialized tooling, allowing for efficient stacking and deformation into the downward position using internal pressure differentials or mechanical forces, enhancing openability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the moveable portion is kept in the upward position for stacking, then transportation efficiency is improved, but user access to the pull tab is hindered due to insufficient clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable portion is designed to dynamically change position between upward (for stacking) and downward (for user access). The restraint mechanism allows the moveable portion to be held in the upward position during transportation, then released to move downward when the can is opened, resolving the contradiction between stacking efficiency and user access
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable portion is pre-positioned in the upward position during manufacturing and transportation to optimize stacking. The restraint mechanism is pre-configured to automatically or manually move it to the downward position when needed, eliminating the need for users to manually create clearance
2Ease of operation
If mechanical force is used to deform the moveable portion into the downward position, then clearance is provided for easy opening, but additional mechanical components and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pusher systems with a simpler restraint mechanism that uses the can's internal pressure differential (vacuum) to automatically move the moveable portion downward. This substitution eliminates the need for additional mechanical components while achieving the same clearance-providing function
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable portion is designed to move itself into the downward position by utilizing the vacuum pressure that naturally forms inside the can during cooling. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external mechanical actuators or pushers, reducing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If the moveable portion is made deformable for easy opening, then user access is improved, but structural integrity against impacts and altitude changes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable portion uses a spring mechanism that provides dynamic response to different loading conditions. During normal use, the spring allows easy deformation for opening. During impacts or altitude changes, the spring's elastic properties and the restraint mechanism work together to maintain structural integrity while still permitting the intended movement
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
The method enables can ends to be efficiently stacked and opened using internal pressure or minimal mechanical force, improving user access and reducing the need for mechanical pushers, while maintaining structural integrity against impacts and altitude changes.
Implementation Method 1
ideally the downward position is achieved utilising a pressure differential across the can end. This reduced pressure inside the container may produce a downward force (i.e. vacuum) acting on the moveable portion to thereby deform the moveable portion into a downward position
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and tool are disclosed that are suitable for manufacturing a can end with a tab, the can end having a moveable portion located beneath the handle of a tab. The moveable portion is moveable between a first upward position which provides good stackability of the can ends, to a second downward position which provides enhanced finger access to a consumer.