Embossed Steel Can Sidewall With Sleeve Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal cans used for powdered products face challenges in reducing sidewall thickness while maintaining axial load strength and resistance to puncturing and denting, which affects their mechanical robustness and recyclability.
Innovation Solution
A three-piece steel can with an embossed sidewall featuring 2D protrusions and a reinforcement sleeve made of paperboard material, where the embossing is applied over a significant portion of the sidewall height and area, enhancing both radial and axial load strength, and the sleeve provides additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the sidewall thickness is reduced to save metal resources, then metal usage is reduced, but the mechanical strength and resistance to puncturing and denting deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metal can body with paperboard reinforcement elements (collars and/or sleeves) to create a composite structure. The paperboard components provide additional mechanical strength and dent resistance, allowing the metal sidewall to be made thinner while maintaining overall structural integrity. This composite approach enables metal savings of up to 40% compared to conventional flat-walled cans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs embossed features including beads, corrugations, and protrusions that introduce curved and three-dimensional structures to the sidewall surface. These embossed features act as structural reinforcements that distribute stress more effectively, enhancing the can's resistance to puncturing and denting while allowing for reduced metal thickness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If embossing is applied to improve radial load strength and impact resistance, then impact resistance is improved, but axial load resistance remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses paperboard reinforcement elements (collars at the top and/or bottom, and sleeves extending along the sidewall) that specifically address axial load resistance. These paperboard components work in conjunction with the embossed metal features to provide comprehensive strength in both radial and axial directions, overcoming the limitation of embossing alone.
3Loss of substance
If the sidewall thickness is reduced, then metal usage is reduced, but the resistance to shocks during manufacturing and transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The paperboard reinforcement elements provide additional shock absorption and protection during handling and transportation. The combination of embossed metal features and paperboard collars/sleeves creates a more resilient structure that can withstand mechanical shocks while using less metal.
Solution Approach 2:
The embossed features (beads, corrugations, protrusions) and paperboard reinforcement elements are pre-installed on the can during manufacturing to provide beforehand cushioning and protection against future shocks and impacts during storage and transportation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An infant formula package comprises a metal can having a base and a sidewall, wherein the sidewall has a plurality of two-dimensional protrusions. The protrusions extend from an otherwise essentially planar surface. The package further comprises a re-sealable closure. As a result of the embossing, the mechanical strength and aesthetics of the package are improved.