Resealable cover for containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage cans lack effective resealable solutions that prevent carbonation loss, spillage, and insect contamination after being opened, with existing solutions like plastic films failing to adequately seal the can.
Innovation Solution
A resealable cover with a base and lid that includes a passageway for gas escape and a child-safe locking mechanism, allowing for secure closure and reduced pressure buildup, preventing spillage and insect ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic film or wrap is placed over the can opening, then carbonation loss is slowed and spillage is partially prevented, but the seal is inadequate to prevent spillage if the can is knocked over and insects can still ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into two main segments: a base portion that seals against the can opening and a lid portion that covers the base. This segmentation allows the base to provide a reliable seal while the lid can be designed with child-safe features and pressure relief mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion includes pre-formed sealing elements and engagement features that are prepared in advance to ensure proper sealing when the lid is placed on the can. The child-safe locking mechanism is also pre-configured, so that when the lid is closed, it automatically engages the locking features, providing reliable sealing without requiring complex user actions.
2Ease of operation
If the can is left open for later consumption, then access to contents is maintained, but carbonation is lost, contents may spill if bumped, and insects can enter
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic access to contents when needed. When closed, the lid provides a secure seal that prevents carbonation loss and insect ingress. The child-safe locking mechanism dynamically engages and disengages based on lid position, maintaining ease of operation for adults while preventing accidental opening by children.
3Reliability
If pressure builds up under the cover from gas escaping the beverage, then the cover may lift off the can, but this can compromise the seal and allow leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief passageway extracts excess pressure from the sealed space between the lid and can opening. This passageway provides a controlled escape route for carbonation gas, preventing pressure buildup that would otherwise cause the lid to lift off and compromise the seal. The extraction of excess pressure maintains cover retention reliability while managing internal stress.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a child-safe locking mechanism is added to prevent children from opening the can, then child safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The child-safe locking mechanism is merged with the existing lid and base structure. The locking features are integrated into the lid portion and base portion that already provide sealing functionality. This merging approach provides child safety protection while minimizing additional complexity, as the locking mechanism uses the same structural elements that are already necessary for the sealing function.
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 resealable cover effectively reduces carbonation loss and spillage while maintaining can integrity, even when bumped, and prevents accidental opening by children through its locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a passageway (or bypass vent) is defined between a portion of the lid and a portion of the base... Pressure that builds up under the lid from gas escaping from the liquid may be relieved by outgassing through the passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A resealable cover for a beverage container that holds a carbonated beverage. The cover includes a base engageable with a rim of the container and a lid movable between an open and closed position relative to the base. When in the closed position, a passageway is defined between a portion of the lid and a portion of the base. The passageway permits fluid communication between air surrounding an exterior surface of the cover and a space defined between the lid and an opening in the container. Pressure that builds up under the lid from gas escaping from the liquid may be relieved by outgassing through the passageway. The cover includes latches on the base that engage in notches on the lid to help lock the lid in place. The lid is rotated relative to the base to release the latches and permit the lid to be opened.