Multi-functional eating utensil for cans and a can comprising said eating utensil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing can opening and eating utensil solutions for metal cans are either wasteful, costly, or pose safety and hygiene risks, and often require separate tools that are not always available.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional eating utensil is attached to the can cover, shaped as a spoon, fork, or knife, with rounded edges and a handle, allowing safe and hygienic consumption of the can contents, and can be easily removed without exposing the contents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the eating utensil is made as a part of the cover, then production costs are reduced, but the contents may be contaminated when the cover is opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidcontent contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The eating utensil is segmented from the cover as a separate component. The cover can be opened independently without removing the utensil, preventing contamination. The utensil is attached to the can body or provided separately, allowing the cover to be opened cleanly while the utensil remains accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary attachment mechanism is introduced between the utensil and the can system. The utensil can be attached to the can body, rim, or lid in a way that allows the cover to be opened without disturbing the utensil's position or exposing contents prematurely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the eating utensil is separately attached to the inner surface of the cover, then content contamination is prevented, but production costs increase and the utensil is not visible or accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent contaminationVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attaching the utensil to the inner surface of the cover, the utensil is attached to the outer surface of the cover or to the can body. This inversion makes the utensil visible and accessible while still preventing contamination, as the utensil does not interfere with the sealing function of the cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The utensil attachment is moved from the two-dimensional inner surface of the cover to the three-dimensional exterior space around the can. The utensil can be attached to the outer surface, rim, or side of the can, making it accessible without requiring it to be on the inner cover surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If a metal opener is used, then the can can be opened effectively, but the metal edges are sharp and unsafe for food consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecan opening efficiencyVSAvoidsharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The opening function and eating utensil function are merged into a single integrated component. The utensil includes both a cutting/ prying edge for opening the can and a rounded eating end for safe food consumption, combining two functions into one safe tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the utensil have different properties: one end has a sharp or prying edge for cutting the can seal, while the other end has rounded, food-safe edges for eating. The utensil transitions from a potentially harmful tool to a safe eating instrument through localized quality changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If the utensil is made with sharp edges for effective opening, then can opening is effective, but the utensil is unsafe for food consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening effectivenessVSAvoidsafety for food consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The utensil dynamically transitions between two functional states: a cutting state with sharp edges for opening the can, and an eating state with rounded edges for safe food consumption. The user rotates or repositions the utensil to switch between these states, allowing both effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260084873A1Multi-functional eating utensil for cans and a can comprising said eating utensil

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 BIKERGUARD DOO

AI summary

An opener used to open the cans is shaped as an eating utensil, and may be used to open the can or to remove the cover of the can, as well as for consumption or use of the contents of the can. The eating utensil has a handle and a head shaped as a knife, spoon, fork or a combination of a spoon and a fork. The utensil may be manufactured separately from the can and the cover and is thus a pre-fabricated element for attachment to the can cover, such as in the same or similar manner as existing openers, e.g. on the external surface of the can cover using a rivet or welding.