Can Thread Forming Rings for Resealable Aluminum Sidewalls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread forming devices for metallic beverage containers face challenges in creating cost-effective and high-speed manufacture of resealable threaded closures due to the thinness of aluminum can bodies, which compromises strength and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thread forming apparatus with an outer and inner ring structure, featuring projections and recesses, radially moves and rotates to form threads on the can sidewall, enabling high-throughput manufacturing of resealable containers with internal or external threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If threads are created in the can body to enable resealing, then the functionality of resealable containers is improved, but the strength of the can body is compromised due to the thinness of aluminum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent forms threads within a recess created in the can body wall, effectively nesting the threaded structure inside the can wall rather than adding external threads. This internal threading approach allows the can to maintain its external integrity while gaining resealable functionality through the embedded threaded recess
Solution Approach 2:
The threading process is segmented into distinct phases: first forming a recess in the can body wall, then creating threads within that recess space. This segmentation allows the can material to be redistributed and reinforced around the threaded area, maintaining overall structural strength while enabling resealable functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional thread forming methods are used, then threaded closures can be created, but the manufacturing cost increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the recess formation and thread forming operations into a single integrated tool and process step. The tool features both a recess-forming component and a threading component that work together in one operation, eliminating the need for separate recess formation and threading steps, thereby increasing manufacturing throughput and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to pre-form the recess and create threads in a predetermined sequence during a single operation. The recess is formed first, followed immediately by thread formation within the same operational cycle, allowing the can body to be prepared for resealing without requiring additional processing steps or increasing manufacturing time
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 apparatus achieves high-speed thread formation on metallic beverage cans, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining can strength, allowing for resealable containers with a similar appearance to existing resealable designs.
Implementation Method 1
pressing the projections into the can sidewall and respective recesses causes can material to flow into the respective recesses and form the plurality of threads
Data Source
AI summary
A thread forming apparatus includes an outer ring having a plurality of projections disposed around an inner periphery thereof, the outer ring being structured to remain stationary, an inner ring including a plurality of recesses disposed around an outer periphery thereof, the inner ring being structured to be moved radially toward a sidewall of a can body positioned between the outer ring and the inner ring and rotated against the sidewall and the projections. The rotation against the can sidewall and the projections causes can material to flow into the recesses and form a plurality of threads around the inner circumference of the can body. An actuator is coupled to the outer ring and the inner ring and structured to hold the outer ring stationary and the inner ring radially and rotate the inner ring against the sidewall.