Pull Tab Protuberance for Beverage Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage container end closures with pull tabs pose difficulties in opening due to lack of finger access space, leading to user frustration and potential injury, especially under pressure, and complicate stacking and conveying processes.
Innovation Solution
A metallic end closure design featuring a protuberance on the central panel that elevates the pull tab after pressurization, providing increased finger access and maintaining a flat profile for easy stacking and conveying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pull tab is positioned close to the central panel for compact stacking, then stacking efficiency is improved, but finger access for opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a finger well that creates a third-dimensional space (vertical dimension) between the pull tab and central panel. This allows the tab to remain in its original position for stacking while providing downward finger access through the well, effectively adding a vertical dimension to solve the access problem without compromising horizontal stacking efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The finger well acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the conflicting requirements of compact tab positioning and finger access. It provides a dedicated space that guides finger insertion and applies force to lift the tab, serving as a mechanical mediator that enables opening without requiring the tab to be repositioned
2Ease of operation
If the pull tab is elevated to provide finger access space, then ease of opening is improved, but stacking and conveying become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The finger well creates a localized depression only in the specific area where finger access is needed, while the rest of the end closure maintains its flat profile. This local modification provides the necessary finger access space without altering the overall geometry that is critical for stacking and conveying operations
Solution Approach 2:
The end closure surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: the finger well region for opening operations and the surrounding flat regions for stacking and conveying. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function without interfering with other operations
3Weight of moving object
If thin metallic materials are used to reduce weight and cost, then material efficiency is improved, but resistance to deformation and failure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The finger well introduces curved surfaces and rounded contours into the otherwise flat end closure structure. These curved features distribute stress more effectively and prevent stress concentration at sharp corners, enhancing the structural integrity of thin metallic materials while maintaining weight efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The finger well structure is pre-formed during manufacturing to provide structural reinforcement before the container is pressurized. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that thin metallic materials have adequate strength to withstand internal pressure without requiring thicker gauge metal
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
Enhances user-friendliness by providing improved access to the pull tab while maintaining the end closure's flat profile for efficient stacking and conveying, reducing the risk of user injury and operational challenges.
Implementation Method 1
When a product is placed in the container and the end closure is interconnected to the container neck, an increase in pressure in the container causes the deflectable protuberance to expand to a raised second position
Implementation Method 2
a deflectable protuberance formed in the central panel and positioned below the pull tab
Data Source
AI summary
An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a central panel portion having a protuberance for facilitating access to and manipulation of a pull tab. Before the food or beverage container is pressurized, the protuberance is substantially flat to improve stacking and conveying of the end closure. After the food or beverage container is filled and pressurized, the protuberance selectively deflects and lifts a tail portion of the pull tab to facilitate access.