Reverse Pressure Can End Structure for Thin-Gauge Deformation Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing can ends made from thin metal materials deform under pressure changes during heating and cooling processes due to insufficient resistance to both internal and external pressures.

Innovation Solution

A can end design featuring a center panel with an annular portion, an annular ridge, and an annular countersink that enhances structural integrity, allowing for reduced material thickness while maintaining resistance to deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If the thickness of the can end material is reduced, then material consumption is decreased, but the resistance to deformation under pressure changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial consumptionVSAvoidresistance to deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The can end is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central panel, an annular portion with ridge and countersink, and a peripheral flange. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while using thinner overall material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular portion features localized structural variations including an outwardly directed annular ridge and an annular countersink. These local quality enhancements provide targeted reinforcement at the periphery where strength is needed most, while the central panel remains thin for material reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 3:

The design adds dimensional complexity through the annular ridge and countersink features, creating a three-dimensional structure from a two-dimensional blank. This dimensional transformation provides structural reinforcement without increasing the base material thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the can end is made from thinner material, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to resist both internal and external pressure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidability to resist pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The annular ridge and countersink features are formed during the blanking and forming operations, before the can end is subjected to pressure during sterilization. This preliminary structuring ensures the thin-walled can end has built-in reinforcement to withstand subsequent pressure loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The can end functions as a composite structure combining thin metal material with geometric reinforcement features. The combination of material and form creates a structure that achieves the strength-to-weight ratio needed for pressure resistance while maintaining thin gauge material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If the can end structure is simplified, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but structural integrity under reverse pressure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The annular ridge and countersink create curved and angled surfaces that distribute stress more effectively than flat surfaces. These geometric features are formed through standard forming operations, adding structural capability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3676030B1Reverse pressure can end
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 STOLLE MACHINERY CO LLC
  • EP3676030B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3676030B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3676030B1 patent drawingFigure 4~4A

AI summary

A can end (12) includes a center panel (14), an annular portion (16) disposed about the center panel (14), a chuck wall (18) disposed about the annular portion (16), a curl (20) extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall (18), the annular portion (16) including an annular ridge (52) and an annular countersink (52), the annular countersink (52) disposed adjacent and about the annular ridge (50). The annular countersink (52) and the annular ridge (52) are structured to resist deformation from external or reverse pressure.