Reclosing Can End With Spring-Operated Shut-Off Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage cans fail to effectively reclose after the first opening, leading to carbon dioxide escape and potential spills, especially when containing carbonated beverages, due to high internal pressure and structural weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A metal beverage can design featuring a can end with a spring-operated shut-off valve and elastic resilient element that holds the valve in an open position during use and seals the drinking aperture when not in use, incorporating a relief valve for pressure management and secure reclosure, allowing for easy reopening and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pull tab opening mechanism is used, then the can can be easily opened and pressure can be vented, but the can cannot be effectively reclosed leading to carbon dioxide escape and spills
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a pull tab for opening, a shut-off valve for closing, and an elastic resilient element for maintaining sealing pressure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the reclosure problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve incorporates an elastic resilient element that dynamically adjusts to maintain sealing pressure. The valve transitions between open and closed states, with the elastic element providing continuous adaptive pressure to ensure reliable sealing against the drinking aperture regardless of internal pressure changes.
2Reliability
If a reclosing mechanism is added to the can, then reclosure effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shut-off valve and elastic resilient element are integrated into a single reclosure assembly that attaches to the can end. This merging of components achieves reliable reclosure functionality while minimizing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall structure compared to multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic resilient element automatically maintains sealing pressure on the shut-off valve without requiring external power or complex control mechanisms. The system uses the natural elasticity and pressure differential to self-regulate the sealing force, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control circuits.
3Reliability
If the can is sealed tight to prevent spills, then liquid tightness improves, but internal pressure builds up increasing rupture risk
Solution Approach 1:
The shut-off valve system converts the harmful effect of internal pressure into a beneficial sealing force. The elastic resilient element is designed to allow the internal pressure to act on the valve, enhancing the sealing pressure against the drinking aperture. This transforms the pressure that could cause rupture into a force that improves liquid tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the sealing parameter (sealing pressure) in response to internal pressure changes. As internal pressure varies during beverage consumption, the elastic resilient element automatically adjusts the valve's sealing force to maintain liquid tightness while accommodating pressure fluctuations without causing rupture.
4Reliability
If a spring-loaded tab reclosing mechanism is used, then reclosure is possible, but the high internal pressure of carbonated beverages (3-4 bar) overcomes the closing force on a small surface area (2.5-3.5 cm²)
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic resilient element provides continuous feedback-based pressure adjustment. As internal pressure pushes against the shut-off valve, the elastic element compresses and generates an opposing restoring force. This creates a dynamic equilibrium where the closing force automatically matches the internal pressure, ensuring the valve remains sealed under varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force parameter dynamically through the elastic resilient element's compression and extension. Rather than using a fixed spring force that may be insufficient at 3-4 bar pressure, the elastic element's force output varies with compression distance, allowing it to generate sufficient closing force proportional to the internal pressure while maintaining reclosure capability.
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
The design ensures the can remains liquid and gas tight, prevents spills, and reduces the risk of rupture by managing internal pressure, making it suitable for mass production and use with carbonated beverages while maintaining ease of use and reclosure.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic resilient element (10), in particular a spring element, which has holding means (32) for holding the shut-off valve (6) in an opened position upon moving the cap top (3)
Implementation Method 2
The elastic resilient element may have holding means for holding the shut-off valve in an opened position upon moving the cap top.
Data Source
AI summary
A can end (2) is described for a metal beverage can, optionally for carbonated drinks, the can end including a cap top (3), arranged in connection to a pull tab (4) configured to remove the cap top along a pre-defined groove (9), to thereby create a drinking or pouring aperture; an elastic resilient element (10) attached to the can end; and a resiliently operated shut-off valve (6) that is part of or is connected to the elastic resilient element (10) and that is configured to seal the drinking or pouring aperture after drinking or pouring; wherein the cap top (3) is configured to remain located, after the removal, on top of the shut-off valve (6). Further, a can including such a can end, and a method for opening and reclosing such a can are described, as well as a method for producing such a can.