Open Can End Score Pattern for Controlled Pressure Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional easy-open can ends are ineffective in preventing violent explosions or implosions when opening highly pressurized containers, as they fail to effectively manage internal pressure during the opening process.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a mustache score and a flex line score with specific geometric features and residual thicknesses, along with break line scores, to facilitate controlled venting and reduce the force required for opening, thereby preventing violent explosions or implosions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional mustache score is used to relieve internal pressure, then moderate pressure containers can be opened safely, but highly pressurized containers (at least 25 psi over ambient) will still explode violently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure relief effectivenessVSAvoidexplosion violence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single mustache score is divided into multiple separate scores: a first mustache score for initial venting and a second mustache score positioned closer to the peripheral score for controlled opening. This segmentation allows progressive pressure relief rather than sudden explosive decompression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first mustache score is positioned to vent pressure before the user applies opening force. This preliminary pressure relief action reduces internal pressure to a safe level before the actual opening process begins, preventing violent explosions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the peripheral score is positioned at the periphery to enable complete panel removal, then full-open access is achieved, but the force required to initiate rupture becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel removal completenessVSAvoidopening force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A third score (break line score or flex line score) is introduced as an intermediary between the mustache score and the peripheral score. This intermediate score acts as a stress concentrator that facilitates easier initiation of the opening process by providing a predetermined failure point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Different scores are positioned at different locations with different functions: the mustache scores for pressure relief, the break line/flex line scores for initiating rupture with minimal force, and the peripheral score for complete panel removal. Each location is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the mustache score is positioned far from the peripheral score to ensure complete panel detachment, then full-open access is achieved, but pressure venting effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel detachment completenessVSAvoidpressure venting effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple scores are positioned at different distances from the peripheral score to simultaneously achieve both pressure venting effectiveness and complete panel detachment. The first mustache score is positioned for optimal pressure relief, while the second mustache score is positioned closer to enable complete detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scoring system performs multiple functions: pressure relief, opening initiation, and panel detachment. By positioning multiple scores at different locations, the system achieves all three functions simultaneously, with each score contributing to one or more of these objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhanced score pattern allows for safe and controlled opening of highly pressurized containers by directing pressurized gas harmlessly away from the user and reducing the force needed to initiate rupture, ensuring the container opens without causing harm or explosion.

Implementation Method 1

a first score line and a second score line spaced apart a distance 'x' to concentrate stress between the score lines to facilitate metal rupture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress concentration:

Data Source

PatentUS7784322B2Method of making an open can end with high pressure venting

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 CROWN PACKAGING TECH INC

AI summary

An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.