Reclosable Beverage Can End With Rotating Leak-Proof Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current can ends for beverages lack a commercially accepted, universally appealing, and cost-effective solution for reclosability that is both leak-proof and easy to manufacture, especially when combining a stay-on tab with a rotating cover and riveted attachment.
Innovation Solution
A can end design featuring a curl with a circumferential wall, a circumferential strengthening member, a center panel with a frangible score and non-frangible hinge, and a tab attached by a rivet, allowing the tab to rotate and cover the pour opening, with a leak-proof seal formed over the rivet, tongue area, and void region, utilizing materials like aluminum alloys and thermoplastic elastomers for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reclosable feature is added to a traditional SOT beverage can end, then the can end becomes reclosable and allows contents to be saved for later consumption, but the manufacturing complexity increases and production costs escalate due to additional features, machinery, and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The can end is divided into functionally distinct segments: a frangible score region for opening, a tear panel for creating the pour opening, a tab mechanism for reclosing, and a seal region. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The tab serves multiple functions: it acts as a lever to break the frangible score, forms a reclosable cover over the pour opening, and provides a gripping surface for the consumer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while achieving reclosability
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional features are added to make the can end reclosable, then the can end achieves reclosable functionality, but the production cost increases due to additional machinery and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible score, tear panel, and tab are integrated into a single stamped metal component rather than being assembled from separate parts. This merging eliminates the need for additional assembly machinery and reduces processing steps, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining reclosable functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible score is designed to break automatically when the tab is lifted, creating the pour opening without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The seal engages automatically when the tab is rotated to the closed position, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations during manufacturing
3Reliability
If a reclosable cover with rotating tab is implemented, then the can end provides leak-proof reclosability, but the device complexity increases making it harder to manufacture and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed to rotate dynamically between open and closed positions, with the seal engaging automatically at the closed position. This dynamic mechanism provides reliable leak-proof reclosability while requiring minimal user effort and complexity in operation
Solution Approach 2:
A seal element acts as an intermediary between the tab and the can end flange, creating the leak-proof barrier. This intermediary component simplifies the overall mechanism by concentrating the sealing function in a single element that engages passively when the tab is rotated into position
Data Source
AI summary
A can end (10) has a curl (14) extending circumferentially about a longitudinal axis (50). A circumferential wall (15) extends downwardly. A strengthening member (16) is joined to lower segment of the circumferential wall (15). A center panel (12) extends radially inwardly from the circumferential strengthening member (16). A rivet (38) attaches a tab (28) to the center panel (12). A cover is attached to the tab (28) and is rotation therewith. A frangible score (24) in the center panel (12) is breakable to form a pour opening (27) in the center panel (12). The cover is rotatable to overlay the pour opening (27) and effectively reclose the pour opening (27) in a reclosed condition of the can end (10).