Insulating Sleeve Notch for Muffling Can Opening Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can coolers fail to effectively silence the noise and contain the outburst of liquid when opening carbonated beverages from cans, which are typically loud and result in uncontrolled liquid discharge due to the integrated 'pop top' or 'pull tab' mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An insulating sleeve with a notch extending through its floor is used to align with the pull tab mechanism, allowing for quiet and controlled opening by muffling the noise and containing the liquid, while maintaining the beverage's chilled condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If an insulating sleeve is used to keep the beverage cold, then the cooling duration is extended, but the noise and liquid outburst during opening cannot be contained
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve is segmented with a notch that divides the floor into two portions, allowing the pull tab to be accessed while maintaining insulation. This segmentation enables the sleeve to simultaneously provide thermal insulation and accommodate the opening mechanism without allowing liquid outburst or excessive noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating sleeve acts as an intermediary between the beverage can and the external environment. By positioning the can within the sleeve and using the notch as an access point, the sleeve mediates the opening process to contain noise and liquid while maintaining the cooling function.
2Ease of operation
If the pull tab mechanism is accessed through the insulating sleeve, then the beverage can be opened, but the integrated pop top mechanism causes loud noise and uncontrolled liquid discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The floor of the insulating sleeve is segmented by introducing a notch, which creates a controlled access point for the pull tab mechanism. This segmentation allows the user to access and operate the pull tab while the surrounding insulating material contains the noise and prevents uncontrolled liquid discharge during the opening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating sleeve, made of flexible insulating material, conforms to the can shape while the notch provides a controlled opening. The flexible nature of the sleeve material allows it to accommodate the pull tab operation while maintaining containment of noise and liquid.
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 insulating sleeve prolongs the time the beverage remains cold and ensures a quiet, controlled opening process by reducing noise and liquid discharge during the opening of carbonated beverages.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating sleeve to prolong the period during which a chilled beverage can is able to maintain an acceptably cool condition
Implementation Method 2
to both at least partially silence the noise and contain the outburst liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An improved insulated sleeve for prolonging the period during which a chilled beverage can is able to maintain a cool condition is disclosed. The sleeve is generally cylindrical and made from an insulating material and defines a side wall, a floor and an open end. The sleeve further defines a notch which extends at least horizontally through the floor. In another aspect, the invention discloses a method of using the insulated sleeve.