Embossed Can Shoulder Structure for Buckling-Free Seaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reduction in can thickness leads to buckling and abnormal deformation of the shoulder portion when forming an uneven pattern, causing defects such as defective seaming during lid attachment.

Innovation Solution

A can design with a shoulder portion featuring an inclined straight portion, connected by lower and upper curved portions, with an embossed pattern exclusively on the straight portion, and coated or printed layers to enhance durability and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an uneven pattern is formed on the shoulder portion of a thinned can by pressing a formation die from the outside, then the shoulder portion is abnormally deformed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoulder portion shapeVSAvoidshoulder portion integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies internal embossing instead of external pressing to form the uneven pattern on the shoulder portion. By pressing the formation die from the inside of the can rather than from the outside, the method prevents abnormal deformation and buckling of the thinned shoulder portion while still achieving the desired embossed pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The embossed portion is localized to specific regions of the shoulder portion rather than applying uniform deformation across the entire shoulder area. This localized embossing approach concentrates the deformation in controlled areas, preventing overall buckling and maintaining the structural integrity of the thinned can.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If an embossed portion is provided on the shoulder portion, then the shoulder portion can be decorated, but defective seaming of the can lid may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoulder portion decorationVSAvoidseaming quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The embossed portion is strategically localized to specific regions of the shoulder portion that do not interfere with the seaming process. By controlling the position and distribution of embossed features, the patent achieves decorative purposes while maintaining reliable lid seaming in the critical sealing areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder portion is functionally segmented into different zones: areas with embossed patterns for decoration and areas without embossing for reliable seaming. This segmentation allows the design to simultaneously achieve aesthetic appeal and manufacturing reliability by separating decorative functions from critical sealing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12384195B2Can
Publication Date: 2025.08.12 TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA LTD
  • US12384195B2 patent drawing
  • US12384195B2 patent drawing
  • US12384195B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a can with a shoulder portion decorated in a novel way. A can includes: a trunk portion; a mouth portion smaller in diameter than the trunk portion; and a shoulder portion provided between the trunk portion and the mouth portion, gradually decreasing in diameter from the side of the trunk portion toward the side of the mouth portion, and having a printed layer and a coating film respectively formed by printing and coating. The shoulder portion includes: a straight portion having an inclined cross-sectional shape along a can axis C; a lower curved portion that is a curved portion connecting the straight portion and the trunk portion; an upper curved portion that is a curved portion connecting the straight portion and the mouth portion; and an embossed portion provided only in the straight portion among the straight portion, the lower curved portion, and the upper curved portion.