Pop-Top Can Opener With Piercing Arm to Prevent Air Lock

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pop-top can openers fail to prevent air lock formation when opening sealed cans, leading to reduced and irregular discharge of liquid contents, particularly affecting individuals with limited dexterity or strength.

Innovation Solution

A can opener with a handle, first arm to raise the tab and a second arm with a pointed distal end to pierce the can's lateral wall, allowing air to enter and facilitating quick emptying by preventing air lock formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional pop-top can opener is used to open a sealed can, then the can can be opened by raising the tab and pushing the sealing member into the can, but an air lock forms within the can when inverted to pour out contents, resulting in reduced and irregular discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening canVSAvoiddischarge rate of liquid contents

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The can opener is divided into two functional arms: a first arm to raise the tab and push the sealing member into the can, and a second arm with a pointed distal end to pierce the lateral wall. This segmentation allows each arm to perform its specific function independently, solving the contradiction between easy opening and rapid discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second arm pierces the lateral wall of the can before the can is inverted for pouring. This preliminary action creates an air inlet opening that prevents air lock formation during the pouring process, enabling rapid and uniform discharge of liquid contents while maintaining the ease of opening provided by the first arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the tab is raised to unseat the sealed top portion, then the can can be opened, but the air lock formed within the can reduces the flow rate of liquid contents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening canVSAvoidtime to empty can

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The can opener is divided into two functional arms: a first arm to raise the tab and push the sealing member into the can, and a second arm with a pointed distal end to pierce the lateral wall. This segmentation allows each arm to perform its specific function independently, solving the contradiction between easy opening and rapid discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second arm pierces the lateral wall of the can before the can is inverted for pouring. This preliminary action creates an air inlet opening that prevents air lock formation during the pouring process, enabling rapid and uniform discharge of liquid contents while maintaining the ease of opening provided by the first arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a manual pop-top can opener is used, then individuals with limited dexterity or strength can open cans, but the air lock formation still reduces discharge rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening can for users with limitationsVSAvoiddischarge rate of liquid contents

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The can opener is divided into two functional arms: a first arm to raise the tab and push the sealing member into the can, and a second arm with a pointed distal end to pierce the lateral wall. This segmentation allows each arm to perform its specific function independently, solving the contradiction between easy opening and rapid discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second arm pierces the lateral wall of the can before the can is inverted for pouring. This preliminary action creates an air inlet opening that prevents air lock formation during the pouring process, enabling rapid and uniform discharge of liquid contents while maintaining the ease of opening provided by the first arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables uniform and maximum flow rate of liquid contents from the can, addressing the issue of air lock formation and enhancing the ease of emptying for all users, including those with dexterity or strength limitations.

Implementation Method 1

the pointed distal end of the second arm engages and forms an opening in a side wall of the can allowing air to enter the can

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir entry through piercing:

Data Source

PatentUS8695457B2Pop-top can opener

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 ROZMUS MICHAEL J

AI summary

A can opener is adapted for engaging and lifting a tab attached to the flat upper surface (top) of a sealed can, with the upraised tab engaging and downwardly displacing a sealing member for opening the can. The opener includes a handle with first and second arms extending therefrom. The curvilinear first arm is adapted for positioning between the can's upper surface and the tab and for raising the tab when the handle is pivotally moved outwardly from the can's upper edge which acts as a fulcrum in engaging a lower portion of the curvilinear first arm. A second arm extending from the handle and disposed in closely spaced relation from the first arm includes a pointed end portion adapted to engage and puncture an upper lateral portion of the can to prevent formation of an air lock in the can for facilitating the discharge of the liquid contents of the can.