Elastic Beverage Can Closure Element for Reclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage cans cannot be resealed after opening, leading to spillage risks, contamination by dirt and insects, and are costly and labor-intensive to manufacture due to the use of multiple materials in reclosable lids.
Innovation Solution
A beverage can closure element made of sheet metal that can be elastically deformed to lock and unlock, featuring a locking device with stiffening ribs and locking elements that snap into place, allowing for easy reclosure and reopening without the need for additional sealing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beverage cans are opened, then the beverage can be consumed, but the can cannot be resealed leading to spillage and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with an elastic cover member that can dynamically change shape between a first state (convex curvature) and a second state (concave curvature). This dynamic deformation enables the lid to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing reclosure functionality while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the cover member by elastically deforming it between two curvature states. The first state with convex curvature provides a locked condition, while the second state with concave curvature enables unlocking. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both sealing and reclosure functions.
2Reliability
If multiple materials are used in reclosable lids to achieve sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a single material for the entire lid structure, including the cover member and locking device. The cover member itself provides sealing through its elastic deformation and contact with the can rim, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials. This homogeneous material approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing against the can rim through its elastic nature, acts as the locking mechanism through its shape memory, and enables reclosure through reversible deformation. This self-service capability of a single component eliminates the need for additional sealing materials and reduces manufacturing steps.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to enable reclosure, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing function and locking function into a single integrated lid structure. The cover member with its elastic deformation capability simultaneously provides sealing against the can rim and locking through its shape memory. The locking device is formed as an integral part of the lid rather than a separate component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs sealing, locking, and reclosure operations. By making the cover member universal in its functions, the invention avoids the need for separate sealing rings, locking mechanisms, and opening tabs, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving reliable lock security.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-manufacture, and secure reclosure mechanism that prevents spillage and contamination, while maintaining the can's integrity and environmental friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
the cover element (12) being designed and arranged in such a way that the cover element (12) can be elastically deformed between at least two states
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a drink can closure element (10) comprising a cover part (12) which is to be placed in an opening of a drink can (30), and a locking mechanism (16) which is embodied and/or arranged on the cover part (12), said locking mechanism being embodied and/or arranged in such a manner that the drink can closure element (10) arranged in an opening of a drink can (30) can be closed in an opening of a drink can (30). The cover part (12) is designed and arranged in such a manner that, when the drink can closure element (10) is in an opening of the drink can (30), said cover part can be elastically deformed between at least two states. Said locking mechanism (16) is embodied and arranged on the cover element (12) in such a manner that, in at least one of the at least two states of the cover element (12), said locking mechanism (16) is arranged further inwards in the radial direction in relation to the cover element (12) than in at least one other of the at least two states of the cover element (12).