Resealable Closure with Concealed Electronics for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage containers, such as aluminum cans and plastic bottles, lack a reliable mechanism for resealing and sealing high-pressure gases, leading to product deterioration, contamination issues, and environmental concerns due to lost caps and spillage.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained plastic closure system for aluminum beverage cans, featuring a clamshell structure with an upwardly rotatable upper panel and a downwardly rotatable lower internal panel, providing a liquid and gas-tight seal, which can vent or conserve high pressure to maintain product freshness and include electronic components for entertainment and information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an aluminum can with pull tab is used, then easy opening is achieved, but the ability to reclose and seal the beverage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into multiple functional segments: an upper panel with pull tab for opening, a lower internal panel for sealing, and a mid-portion rim seal for gas tight sealing. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to provide both easy opening and reliable resealing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure employs dynamic movable panels that can rotate between closed and open positions. The upper panel rotates upward when opened, while the lower internal panel rotates downward to provide a pour opening, enabling the closure to adapt between sealed and open states for both easy access and reliable sealing.
2Ease of operation
If the can is opened and left open, then access to the beverage is provided, but carbonated gases are lost and the product deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mid-portion rim seal creates a gas tight seal that prevents carbonated gases from escaping. The seal works by forming a pressure-resistant barrier between the closure and can lid, maintaining the pressurized environment necessary for preserving carbonation even when the beverage is accessed.
3Reliability
If a plastic bottle with removable cap is used, then resealing is possible, but the cap can be lost and causes pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The closure merges the sealing function and the opening mechanism into a single integrated unit that remains attached to the can. The upper panel with pull tab and the lower internal panel work together as one assembly, eliminating the need for separate removable caps and preventing cap loss pollution while maintaining resealing capability.
4Ease of operation
If the drinking area is exposed, then pouring is enabled, but contamination from dust and undesirable material accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper panel with pull tab is designed to be removed or rotated away before the lower internal panel is opened for pouring. This preliminary action clears the drinking area of potential contamination sources, allowing the pouring opening to be exposed without risking contamination from dust or undesirable material that would accumulate on an exposed drinking surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure for containers providing a seal when closed. A pull tab lifted to open provides a venting action, and a pour opening. A sanitary platform covers a drinking area around the pour opening. Closure contains electronic device components triggered to engage a user in games of chance through the use of a cellular phone.