Reclosable Beverage Can Lid with Sealed Venting Hatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage cans are not reclosable, leading to liquid loss and contamination, and carbonated beverages go flat quickly due to the inability to maintain a seal after opening.
Innovation Solution
A packaging device with a hatch and arm mechanism that allows for easy opening and reclosing, featuring a second hole for gas venting and a gasket to maintain a sealed position, ensuring the can remains sealed and easy to operate, even when containing carbonated beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional beverage can is opened, then the liquid can flow out for consumption, but the can cannot be reclosed causing liquid loss and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reclosing mechanism where the lid can transition between open and closed states. The blocking means allow the lid to be held securely in either position, enabling the can to be opened for consumption and then reclosed to maintain seal integrity and prevent contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is divided into functional segments: the lid body, the blocking means, and the safety capsule. This segmentation allows independent operation of each component - the lid can be moved to open/close positions while the blocking means and safety capsule provide independent sealing and safety functions.
2Reliability
If a safety capsule is used to ensure the packaging has not been previously opened, then safety is improved, but the opening mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The safety capsule is pre-installed in the blocking means before the can is opened. It performs its safety function automatically when the lid is first opened, breaking to allow the blocking means to disengage. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for additional safety checks or complex verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety capsule acts as an intermediary element between the lid and the blocking means. It transfers the safety verification function from a complex electronic or mechanical verification system to a simple breakable component that naturally fails open upon first use.
3Ease of operation
If carbonated beverages are stored in an opened can, then they are easily accessible, but the gas escapes causing the beverage to go flat
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic reclosing capability allows the can to be opened for consumption and then securely closed to trap carbonation gas. The blocking means ensure the lid remains firmly sealed when closed, preventing gas escape and maintaining beverage carbonation between opening events.
4Ease of operation
If the can is knocked over after opening, then it is convenient to drink, but liquid escapes uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The reclosable lid provides dynamic control over the opening state. When the can is knocked over during consumption, the user can quickly close the lid using the blocking means to prevent liquid from spilling out, maintaining control over the liquid content.
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 the can to be opened and closed repeatedly without losing content, preserving the carbonation of beverages by reducing gas pressure and preventing accidental venting, ensuring the packaging remains sealed and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
the gasket shuts the second hole in sealed manner when the arm co-operates with the blocking means
Implementation Method 2
the gasket releasing the second hole when the arm is disengaged from the blocking means
Implementation Method 3
preserving the carbonation of beverages by reducing gas pressure and preventing accidental venting
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of packaging for a consumable product, the packaging being provided with a wall (15) provided with an orifice (13). The packaging is fitted with an opening and closing device (1) comprising a single-piece body (2) of molded material fastened on the wall (15), the body (2) comprising a plate (20) with a first hole (30) placed facing the orifice (13) and fastened to the edge (19) of the orifice (13) in the wall (15) in sealed manner, and a hatch (40) hinged to the plate (20), the hatch opening towards the inside of the packaging and being suitable for covering the first hole (30) in a closed position, the device (1) further including an arm (50) connected to the hatch (40), the arm (50) co-operating with position blocking means for holding the hatch (40) in a closed position, and for releasing the hatch (40) to pivot towards the inside of the packaging when it is disengaged from the blocking means, the device (1) further including a cap (80) that is distinct from the body (2) and from the arm (50), and that is provided with a safety capsule (100, 104) that is to be broken on first opening of the hatch (40) such that if the safety capsule is intact, it is guaranteed that the packaging has not been opened previously, the capsule forming a portion of the blocking means. The hatch (40) is provided with a second hole (70) providing communication between the inside and the outside of the packaging, and the arm (50) is provided with a gasket (57) that shuts the second hole (70) in sealed manner when the arm (50) co-operates with the blocking means, such that in the closed position, the device (1) closes the packaging in sealed manner, the gasket (57) releasing the second hole (70) when the arm (50) is disengaged from the blocking means and the pivot angle β of the arm relative to its closed position is greater than a strictly positive threshold angle β0.