Reclosable Can End Tab Structure With Leak-Proof Pour Opening Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can ends with reclosable features are costly to manufacture, require additional machinery and processing steps, and can confuse consumers when trying to reclose the beverage can end, while also lacking the universal and lightweight appeal of traditional stay-on-tab (SOT) can ends.
Innovation Solution
A can end design featuring a curl, circumferential wall, and circumferential strengthening member, with a center panel having a tear panel and a rivet-attached tab that rotates to reclose the pour opening, and a seal formed over the rivet, tongue area, and void region to create a leak-proof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reclosable features are added to can ends, then reclosability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The can end is divided into functional segments: a frangible score for opening, a tear panel for creating the pour opening, a tab mechanism for reclosing, and a seal for leakage prevention. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex reclosable feature to be achieved through modular, manageable components that can be manufactured using adapted existing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible score is pre-formed in the center panel during manufacturing, and the seal is pre-applied to the tab and void region. These preliminary actions prepare the can end for its intended functions (opening and reclosing) without requiring additional complex machinery during final assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reclosability
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional features are added to make can ends reclosable, then reclosability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tab serves multiple functions: it acts as a lever to break the frangible score, forms a seal over the pour opening when rotated into position, and provides a reclosable cover. The seal material also serves dual purposes by preventing leakage during storage and maintaining pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, lowering production costs while achieving reclosability
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex reclosable features are added, then reclosability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the consumer to manually manipulate multiple components to reclose the can, the tab is designed to rotate automatically into the closed position when lifted, and the seal is pre-positioned to engage with the pour opening. This inverts the complexity from the user operation side to the manufacturing side, making the product easy to operate while maintaining reclosability
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional SOT can end design is used, then lightweight and simple manufacture are maintained, but reclosability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is nested within the void region of the tab, and the tab itself is nested within the can end structure. This nesting arrangement allows the reclosable features to be integrated into the traditional SOT can end design without significantly increasing overall complexity or manufacturing difficulty, while adding the desired reclosability function
Data Source
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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).