Reclosable Can End With Rotating Cover and Riveted Tab

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reclosable can ends tend to leak after being reclosed, lack universal and lightweight appeal, and do not combine a reclosable feature with a traditional stay-on tab (SOT) beverage can end effectively.

Innovation Solution

A leak-proof, reclosable can end design featuring a curl, circumferential wall, and strengthening member, with a tab and cover that rotate to reclose the pour opening, utilizing structural elements and beads to enhance sealing and reclosability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a reclosable feature is added to a traditional SOT can end, then reclosability is improved, but leakage occurs after reclosing

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereclosabilityVSAvoidleak-proof performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The can end is divided into distinct functional segments: a tear panel with frangible score for opening, a tab for manipulation, and a cover for reclosing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to prevent leakage during reclosure operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tab acts as an intermediary element between the user's manual input and the reclosable cover mechanism. By attaching the cover to the tab, the tab mediates the rotation motion and ensures proper alignment and sealing when the cover is positioned over the pour opening, preventing leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a reclosable cover is combined with a riveted tab, then reclosability is improved, but the design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereclosabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tab and cover are merged into a single integrated assembly where the cover is attached directly to the tab. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the reclosable functionality, as the tab and cover work together as one operational unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If existing reclosable can end designs are used, then reclosability is achieved, but they lack universal and lightweight appeal

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereclosabilityVSAvoiduniversal appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The can end design incorporates universal features including a standard SOT tab configuration that is widely recognized and accepted, a frangible score system that works across different can sizes, and a cover mechanism that can be applied to various beverage container types, giving it broad adaptability and appeal across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250178779A1Can end

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 BALL CORP

AI summary

A can end has a curl extending circumferentially about a longitudinal axis. A circumferential wall extends downwardly. A strengthening member is joined to lower segment of the circumferential wall. A center panel extends radially inwardly from the circumferential strengthening member. A rivet attaches a tab to the center panel. A cover is attached to the tab and is rotation therewith. A frangible score in the center panel is breakable to form a pour opening in the center panel. The cover is rotatable to overlay the pour opening and effectively reclose the pour opening in a reclosed condition of the can end.