Resealable Beverage Can Closure with Flexible Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage cans with disposable closures cannot be resealed, leading to waste and potential insect contamination, and existing resealable solutions are either ineffective or costly due to complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A resealable beverage can closure featuring a base body with a flexible retaining ring and longitudinal webs that snap into the can's annular groove, combined with a lid that interacts sealingly with the base body to create a secure seal, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without increasing production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a disposable closure is used, then the can is simple to manufacture and low cost, but the opening cannot be resealed leading to waste and insect contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two separate components: a disposable bulkhead that remains in the can and a reusable lid that can be removed and reattached. This segmentation allows the bulkhead to provide the initial seal and opening function while the lid provides the resealing capability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead acts as an intermediary element between the can interior and the lid. It provides a mounting surface for the lid and maintains the seal when the lid is not in use, enabling the lid to be easily reattached while preventing insect contamination and waste.
2Reliability
If a resealable closure mechanism is added, then the opening can be resealed, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resealing function is extracted from the bulkhead and transferred to a separate lid component. This allows the bulkhead to remain simple and easy to manufacture while the lid incorporates the necessary sealing and latching mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed with movable elements including a snap-in/latch mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic design allows for easy attachment and detachment while maintaining a secure seal when closed, avoiding the need for complex multi-part locking mechanisms.
3Strength
If the retaining ring is made rigid and fully integrated, then the base body structure is stronger, but the retention ring loses flexibility and requires larger undersize affecting sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed with non-uniform properties: it has integrated sections that provide structural strength and support, and separated sections that provide flexibility and allow for easier snapping onto the can. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring is segmented into multiple sections rather than being a complete continuous ring. This segmentation provides flexibility at the gaps while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated portions, allowing the ring to be snapped onto the can without requiring excessive force or large undersize.
4Area of stationary object
If the longitudinal rib has wide contact surface, then the sealing area is larger, but the elastic deformation and sealing effect are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal rib is designed with optimized dimensions that balance contact area and pressure distribution. By adjusting the rib's width, height, and material properties, the design achieves sufficient sealing effect through concentrated elastic deformation rather than relying on large contact area alone.
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 solution provides a reliable seal that prevents insect entry and allows for multiple openings and closings, maintaining the can's stackability and hygiene while being cost-effective to produce.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining ring is significantly more flexible in the circumferential direction... Due to the increased flexibility of the retaining ring, it can be more easily placed onto the beverage can
Implementation Method 2
Since the sealing effect is always created by plastic deformation of one or both superimposed and superimposed sections or parts
Implementation Method 3
The lid can be connected to the base body via a pivot bearing, in particular a film hinge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A reclosable beverage can closure to be plugged onto a can comprises a main element that is to be fastened to the can and a movable lid (32) that is mounted on the main element. The beverage can closure is fastened to the beverage can by a retaining ring (34) which snaps into an annular groove in the beverage can (10). The top face of the main element is not entirely closed; instead, free spaces (56) are provided which render the retaining ring (34) more elastic.