Metal Can Lid Reclosure Using a Sealed Microgap Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclosable can lids face challenges in economic production, material efficiency, and functional simplicity, with conventional designs requiring additional apertures that compromise hygiene and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A metallic can lid with a microgap sealed by a molded plastic film, featuring a sealing frame and pivotable closure unit connected via adhesive lacquer, which eliminates the need for toothed arrangements and reduces material thickness while ensuring a secure, hygienic, and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional apertures are introduced in the can lid surface for mounting closure components, then the closure function is enabled, but hygiene is compromised and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closure unit and sealing frame into a single integrated component that is mounted on the lid surface without requiring separate apertures. The closure unit includes an integrated sealing frame that surrounds the opening region, eliminating the need for additional mounting holes and maintaining the continuity of the lid surface for hygiene purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the closure mechanism, includes an integrated sealing frame for sealing, and mounts directly on the lid surface without requiring separate aperture structures. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and apertures needed.
2Strength
If conventional closure mechanisms with toothed arrangements are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but material thickness must be increased and production complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the toothed arrangement from the closure mechanism and replaces it with a simplified mounting structure. The closure unit is fastened to the lid surface using a direct mounting method without interlocking teeth, reducing structural complexity while maintaining fastening security through the integrated sealing frame and adhesive lacquer connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mounting parameter from mechanical interlocking (toothed arrangement) to a combination of direct fastening and adhesive bonding. This parameter change allows for thinner material usage and simplified production while achieving equivalent or superior fastening security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for sealing and closure, then functional flexibility is maintained, but production economy deteriorates and material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing frame and closure unit into a single integrated component that is produced as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate production and assembly steps for sealing and closure components, improving production economy while maintaining all necessary functions through the integrated design.
4Loss of substance
If adhesive lacquer is used for bonding plastic to metal, then material savings are achieved and production is simplified, but bonding reliability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adhesive lacquer as an intermediary substance to bond the plastic closure unit and sealing frame to the metal lid surface. This intermediary enables the bonding of dissimilar materials (plastic to metal) while allowing for thinner material usage and simplified production, provided that the adhesive selection and application process ensures reliable bonding.
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 solution enables material savings, improved hygiene, and simplified production by integrating the sealing frame and closure unit within the lid's surface, allowing for a continuous metal surface and reducing contamination risks, while maintaining effective sealing and reclosability.
Implementation Method 1
both the sealing frame is connected to the fixed lid surface in a bonded manner and the closure unit is connected to the metallic lid region that can be pivoted open in a bonded manner, in particular by a thermal process using an adhesive lacquer layer
Implementation Method 2
by a thermal process using an adhesive lacquer layer which is preferably suitable for use with food and/or has lubricating properties
Data Source
AI summary
A reclosable can lid is described which does not require a separation of a metal surface associated with chip formation in the opening process, which ensures the respective required leak tightness on the reclosing, even in the case of a pressure build-up resulting in the respective container, and which has a high functional reliability with a particularly economical manufacturing option.