Container Lid Closure Mechanism for Pressure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for containers, particularly cans, face issues with reliably closing large ventilating openings due to internal pressure from carbonated beverages or heated air, which can cause the closing element to be pushed open, leading to unintended opening.
Innovation Solution
A lid design featuring an actuating element with articulation regions and intercoupled coupling elements that provide a retention force to prevent the closing element from being pushed out, utilizing a pin or snap-in noses and eyelets for secure closure, and optionally incorporating self-locking mechanisms and tamper-evidence features to ensure reliable sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ventilating opening has a large cross-section to allow insertion of a drinking straw, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the pressure on the peg may be so great that it is pressed open
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed as a dynamic system with articulation regions that allow the second portion to pivot relative to the first and third portions. This dynamic structure enables the closing element to respond to internal pressure by pivoting the second portion, while the coupling elements maintain the overall closed state, allowing the large opening to remain reliably closed despite pressure fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements act as intermediaries between the actuating element and the inner element. The first coupling element on the actuating element connects to the second coupling element on the inner element, creating a mechanical linkage that transmits and distributes the retention force across the structure, preventing the closing element from being pushed out by internal pressure.
2Device complexity
If a peg is pressed into the ventilating opening and fixed by a lateral seal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the closing element may be pushed out by internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element functions as a dynamic lever system where the second portion can pivot on the first and third portions. This mechanical advantage system amplifies the retention force applied to the closing element, allowing a relatively simple structure to generate sufficient counteracting force against internal pressure without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements serve as mechanical intermediaries that transmit the retention force from the actuating element through the inner element. The first coupling element connects to the second coupling element, creating a force transmission path that distributes the load and prevents direct pushing out of the closing element by internal pressure.
3Ease of operation
If the closing element is designed to be easily removable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the closing element may be accidentally pushed open by internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element's articulated structure allows controlled movement of the second portion relative to the first and third portions. This dynamic design enables intentional opening by user manipulation while the coupling elements maintain the closed position under normal internal pressure conditions, creating a reliable distinction between intentional and accidental opening forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements act as mechanical intermediaries that provide a secure connection between the actuating element and inner element. The first coupling element on the actuating element engages with the second coupling element on the inner element, creating a robust linkage that prevents accidental disengagement while still allowing intentional operation by the user.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lid for a container, in particular for a can, comprising: a lid surface (110) with a first opening (115) passing through the lid surface; an inner element (120), which is arranged on an inner side of the lid surface and has a ventilating opening (125), which passes through the inner element and is aligned with the first opening; an actuating element (130), which is arranged on an outer side of the lid surface and is formed preferably from plastics material, wherein the actuating element has a first (141) and a second (142) articulation region, said regions subdividing the actuating element into a first (131), a second (132) and a third (133) portion, and the second portion is arranged between the first and the third portions; wherein the first portion of the actuating element is arranged in abutment against the lid surface; the second portion of the actuating element can be pivoted relative to the first portion about the first articulation region and the second portion has a closing element, in particular a bung (135), for closing the ventilating opening; the third portion of the actuating element can be pivoted relative to the second portion about the second articulation region and the third portion has a first coupling element (161); and the inner element has a second coupling element (162), which can be coupled to the first coupling element.