Reclosable Can End Flap Structure for Repeated Beverage Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cans are typically not reclosable after opening, making it difficult to transport an opened can and keep beverages inside clean from dirt, debris, or bugs.

Innovation Solution

A reclosable can end design featuring a lid base with a scored area, a tab, and a closure flap connected by a rivet, allowing the flap to be rotated and inserted to seal the opening, with a closure flap that can be reinserted multiple times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional can design is used, then the can is simple and easy to manufacture, but the can cannot be reclosed after opening

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereclosabilityVSAvoidcan end structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid base is divided into separate functional components: a scored area that can separate from the main lid, a closure flap that can be opened and closed, and a tab for actuation. This segmentation allows the can end to transition from a simple sealed structure to a reclosable system with multiple movable parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure flap is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to rotate on the rivet and move between open and closed positions. The scored area is designed to separate dynamically when force is applied to the tab, enabling the reclosing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the scored area is designed to separate easily, then the can can be opened conveniently, but the separation may compromise structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening convenienceVSAvoidlid base structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The scored area is designed with localized weakening only in the specific region where separation is needed, while the rest of the lid base maintains its full structural integrity. The scoring creates a controlled fracture path that separates easily along the score lines without compromising the overall strength of the lid base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the closure flap extends beyond the first portion, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal effectivenessVSAvoidclosure flap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted and extended beyond the basic flap structure. The second portion of the closure flap that extends beyond the first portion provides an additional sealing surface that contacts the lid base, enhancing the seal without requiring a completely different sealing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250340327A1Reclosable can ends

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 VINGER FLORENCE M

AI summary

Reclosable can ends including: a lid base including a scored area, wherein the scored area has a raised portion having a first height; a tab that causes the scored area to at least partially separate from the lid base to expose an opening in the lid base; a closure flap that includes: a first portion; a second portion; an opening; and a protruding portion; and a rivet that connects the tab and the closure flap to the lid base such that the tab and the closure flap are configured to rotate around the rivet, wherein the first portion is configured to be inserted into the opening in the lid base end when the tab and the closure flap are rotated to a position corresponding to a position of the opening in the lid base, and wherein a second height of the rivet is lower than the first height.