Can Top With Offset Rivet and Separate Score Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage cans with single dispensing apertures experience limited dispensing rates and gurgling due to pressure imbalance, and existing two-opening systems require multiple movements to open both dispensing and vent apertures, making them inconvenient and prone to accidental vent opening.
Innovation Solution
A can design with a dispense area and a vent area defined by separate score lines, where the first rivet is offset between the two areas, allowing for a larger dispense area and enabling both apertures to be opened in a single movement through a secondary lever or torsion stripe, preventing accidental vent opening and reducing the force required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single dispense aperture is provided in the can top, then the structure is simple, but the dispensing rate is limited and gurgling occurs due to pressure imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The can top is segmented into two functional areas: a dispense area (3A) and a vent area (3B), each defined by separate score lines (31A, 31B). This segmentation allows simultaneous creation of both a large dispense aperture and a vent aperture, resolving the contradiction by enabling high dispensing rate with pressure balance while maintaining structural simplicity through integrated score line design
2Ease of operation
If multiple movements are required to open both dispense and vent openings, then accidental vent opening is prevented, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening actions for both dispense and vent areas are merged into a single user movement. When the user pulls the actuating end (22A) of the pull tab (2A), both the puncturing end (21A) pushes the dispense area (3A) inward and the torsion stripe (5) pushes the vent area (3B) inward simultaneously. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation while maintaining reliability through the integrated mechanical coupling
3Area of moving object
If the rivet is located at the center of the can top, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but the dispense area dimension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The first rivet (4A) is positioned asymmetrically at an offset location on the can top rather than at the center. This asymmetric positioning allows the dispense area (3A) to have a dimension (d) along the diameter greater than or equal to the radius (R) of the top end, maximizing the dispense aperture area. The asymmetry resolves the contradiction by enabling larger dispense area while maintaining structural simplicity through single-rivet coupling
4Reliability
If a strong force is applied to pull off the vent area, then the vent opens reliably, but the operation becomes difficult and litter is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The vent area (3B) is coupled to the pull tab (2A) through a torsion stripe (5) that acts as a flexible hinge. When the user pulls the actuating end (22A), the torsion stripe dynamically twists and pushes the puncturing end (21A) to open the vent area (3B). This dynamic coupling reduces the force required compared to pulling the vent area directly off, resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable vent opening with minimal force, and prevents litter generation by keeping the vent area attached to the can
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 enhances dispensing rate and homogeneity, preventing gurgling while maintaining ease of use and reducing litter by allowing both apertures to be opened with minimal force, similar to traditional single aperture cans.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second score lines are separated from one another by at least one torsion stripe (5) suitable for acting as a hinge by torsion upon lifting the actuating end (22A) of the pull tab (2A) away from the can top
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The present invention concerns a can for containing a liquid comprising a top end, said top end comprising : (a) A dispense area (3A) defined on said top end by a first score line (31A), (b) A vent area (3B) defined on said top end by a second score line (31B) separate from the first score line, (c) A first rivet (4A) located between the vent and dispense areas (3A, 3B), for coupling to the top end, (d) A pull tab (2A) suitable for puncturing the dispense areas (3A) to open a dispense aperture (13A); (e) Means for opening the vent aperture (13B); Characterized in that, the dispense area has a dimension (d) along the diameter of the top end passing by the first rivet (4A) greater or equal to the radius (R) of the top end.