Motorized Can Opener Eccentric Gear Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional can openers require manual force and effort to cut and remove cans, making the process difficult and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A can opener with a button-activated mechanism that uses a motor, transmission device, eccentric gear, and torsion spring to automatically open cans and detach from them, reducing manual effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional can opener uses a manually operated cutter, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation becomes forceful and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical cutting system with an automated system using a motor (31), transmission device (30), and eccentric gear (40) mechanism. The motor drives the cutter through the transmission device, eliminating the need for manual force application while maintaining the cutting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The can opener is designed to automatically clamp onto the can, cut it, and detach without requiring user intervention during the cutting process. The torsion spring (S) and magnetic attraction element (29) enable automatic engagement and release, making the device self-servicing throughout the operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If a can opener is designed for automatic operation, then user effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The motor (31) and transmission device (30) are housed within the first holder (10), the eccentric gear (40) integrates the cutting and clamping actions, and the torsion spring (S) simultaneously provides both engagement force and release mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutter serves multiple functions: it cuts the can lid, clamps onto the can during operation, and is automatically released after cutting. The magnetic attraction element (29) and torsion spring (S) combination provides both engagement and release functions, making these components multi-functional rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables easy and efficient automatic opening and removal of cans, reducing user effort and improving convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a torsion spring (S)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic attraction element (29)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20170137273A1Can Opener
Publication Date: 2017.05.18 LEE HUI LING
  • US20170137273A1 patent drawing
  • US20170137273A1 patent drawing
  • US20170137273A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A can opener contains: a first holder, a second holder, a transmission device, an eccentric gear, a rotating roller, a connector, a washer, a guiding roller, and a metal piece. The first holder includes a battery chamber, a cover, and a first switch. The second holder includes a first accommodation room, a plurality of first posts, and a second accommodation room. The transmission device includes a motor, a plurality of first driving gears, and a second driving gear. The eccentric gear includes an opening and a plurality of coupling pillars. The rotating roller includes a second post, and the connector includes a second arcuate orifice, a plurality of second coupling stems, and two second positioning pillars. The washer includes a third arcuate orifice and a fixing hole. The guiding roller includes a first pore and an abutting portion, and the metal piece includes a second pore and a contacting gear.