Reclosable Can Conversion via Inverted Drawing and Thread Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal food containers cannot be effectively reclosed after opening, leading to wasted contents and requiring significant capital investment for equipment changes to alter container sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method to convert an open-ended container into a reclosable can by enlarging the can body, forming neck thread portions, and adding a new end panel, allowing the can to be sealed without adding extra metal, using a series of drawing and seaming processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire contents of the can are not used, then the consumer must empty the entire contents from the can, but there is no effective way to close and seal the can for future use once opened
Solution Approach 1:
The can is divided into two functional parts: the original can body and an added dome section with thread portions. This segmentation allows the can to gain reclosability functionality without modifying the entire original structure, enabling partial content retention while maintaining the original can's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Thread portions are formed on the dome section in advance during the manufacturing process, before the can is opened by the consumer. This preliminary preparation of threading structures enables future reclosing operations without requiring any modification or additional components at the time of opening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new can sizes are desired, then equipment changes are required, but significant capital investment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The drawing process and thread formation equipment can process multiple can sizes and configurations using the same basic machinery. By making the manufacturing equipment multi-functional, the system can produce various can sizes without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each size, thereby reducing capital investment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process parameters (such as drawing depth, thread portion dimensions, and dome geometry) can be adjusted to produce different can sizes and configurations. This parameter-based flexibility allows the same equipment to adapt to different production requirements without physical modifications or capital investment.
3Volume of stationary object
If the can volume is increased, then additional metal is typically required, but the invention aims to maintain the same metal usage
Solution Approach 1:
The dome section with thread portions is effectively nested onto the existing can body, utilizing the original can's structure and metal content. This nesting approach allows volume expansion without requiring a complete redesign or additional metal investment, as the dome integrates with and extends the existing can structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing can volume by expanding the diameter (which would require additional metal), the invention extends the can height by adding the dome section in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change achieves volume increase while maintaining the same metal usage, as the extension utilizes the existing metal structure more efficiently.
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 conversion of existing open-ended containers into reclosable cans with increased volume and functionality, maintaining the same metal usage while minimizing additional costs.
Implementation Method 1
Drawing the first end enlarges the can body to a second height/volume greater than an original, first height/volume
Implementation Method 2
the open first end is curled to provide an outwardly curled lip around the new opening
Data Source
AI summary
A can or container reformed from an existing open ended can adds additional volume and integral thread portions to form a reclosable can. An existing can is inverted, drawn to increase the volume, an end wall pierced and reformed into an outwardly curled lip, thread portions formed along a perimeter portion of the can body adjacent a first end, and a new end seamed to the original open, second end of the can. A cap with thread lugs cooperates with the thread portions on the external perimeter of the reformed can to originally and subsequently reseal the can once the can has been opened.