Beverage Can Lid Vent Pin Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lids for beverage cans struggle to securely close ventilation openings under high internal pressure, such as from carbonated drinks, especially when the opening is enlarged to accommodate a drinking straw, leading to unintentional opening due to increased force on the closing pin.
Innovation Solution
A lid design featuring a flexible/elastic pin with a locking element that can be snapped into a recess, utilizing a locking bead and plug system, where the plug is housed within the pin's cavity, providing both positive and non-positive locking mechanisms to prevent the pin from being dislodged by internal pressure, and allowing easy release with a minimum force applied to the actuating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ventilation opening cross-section is enlarged to allow drinking straw insertion, then the usability is improved, but the force acting on the closing pin increases significantly (quadrupling when diameter is doubled), causing the pin to be accidentally forced open
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism is divided into two independent functional components: a pin for mechanical closure and a locking element for securing the pin in position. This segmentation allows the pin to be optimized for ease of operation while the locking element handles the high-force retention requirement, resolving the contradiction between large opening size and pin security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the pin and the internal pressure forces. Instead of the pin directly resisting high internal pressure, the locking element mediates by engaging with the pin and transferring the retention force, allowing the pin to remain flexible and easy to operate while still securing the large ventilation opening.
2Device complexity
If conventional measures like a bead surrounding the plug are used to hold the pin in the vent, then the structure is simple, but the measures are no longer sufficient to prevent accidental opening due to internal pressure up to 8 bar
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with elastic/flexible properties, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the pin's position and the internal pressure forces. This dynamic characteristic enables the locking element to maintain reliable engagement under varying pressure conditions (up to 8 bar) while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, overcoming the limitation of rigid conventional measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism combines materials with different mechanical properties: the pin is made flexible/elastic for ease of insertion and removal, while the locking element uses elastic/flexible material to provide secure retention under pressure. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
3Reliability
If the pin is made flexible/elastic to ensure secure engagement, then the locking reliability is improved, but the pin requires a minimum force to release the coupling and disengage the locking element
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes changes in the elastic properties and geometric parameters of the locking element to achieve the desired balance. By carefully designing the elasticity and dimensions of the locking element, it provides strong retention under normal conditions but allows for controlled disengagement when sufficient force is applied to the actuating element, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and ease of operation.
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 design effectively secures the ventilation opening against high internal pressures while allowing easy opening and re-closing, ensuring the lid remains sealed even under significant internal pressure, and provides a mechanism to recognize initial opening attempts through material deformation or connection destruction.
Implementation Method 1
The pin can be designed to be flexible/elastic in order to ensure that the locking element engages/snaps into place with both force and form
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a lid for a container, in particular for a can, comprising: a lid surface (10) with a first opening (15) penetrating the lid surface; an inner element (20) arranged on an inner side of the lid surface (10) with a ventilation opening (25) penetrating the inner element (20) and aligned with the first opening (15); and an actuating element (30) arranged on an outer side of the lid surface (10), wherein the actuating element (30) has a pivot area (33) which divides the actuating element (30) into a first (31) and a second (32) section; wherein the first (31) section of the actuating element (30) is arranged abutting the lid surface (10);the second (32) section of the actuating element (30) is pivotable relative to the first section (31) about the joint area (33) and the second (32) section has a pin (40) for closing the ventilation opening (25), wherein the pin (40) has a detent element (41), in particular a detent bead preferably running around the pin (40), which can be detachably engaged in a recess (21) of the inner element (20). The cover according to the invention is characterized by a locking element (50) for locking the detent element (41) in the recess (21), wherein the locking element (50) locks the engaged detent element (41) in a locking position and in an unlocking position of the locking element (50) the detent element (41) can be disengaged from the recess (21) in order to release the pin (40) in the ventilation opening (25) for opening the ventilation opening (25).