Resilient Rim Protector for Beverage Can Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage cans are prone to damage during dispensing from vending machines and transportation due to shock, and existing carriers do not effectively protect or bundle multiple cans efficiently for storage and display.
Innovation Solution
A device that snaps onto the annular beaded rims of cans, providing protection and forming a carrier that can bundle multiple cans, made of resilient material for secure engagement and easy application, with optional carrying handles for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cans are transported without protection, then transportation cost is reduced, but can damage occurs due to shock and dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is divided into a rim protector component and a carrier component that can function independently or together. The rim protector is a separate element that attaches to individual cans, while the carrier bundles multiple protected cans, allowing flexible application based on specific needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim protector features a cushioning element made of resilient material that is positioned in advance to absorb shock before impact occurs. This pre-positioned cushioning prevents damage during dropping and handling by dissipating impact energy before it reaches the can rim.
2Productivity
If multiple cans are bundled together, then storage and transportation efficiency is improved, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rim protectors are merged into a single carrier structure that holds several protected cans together as one unit. The carrier integrates multiple protection devices while providing a unified handling interface through the carrying handle, improving storage efficiency without proportionally increasing handling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier serves multiple functions: it protects cans through integrated rim protectors, bundles multiple cans for efficient storage and transportation, and provides a carrying handle for easy manual handling. This multi-functionality addresses several needs simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a carrier with carrying handle is used, then handling convenience is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is constructed from a resilient, flexible material that can be molded into a lightweight structure. This flexible material provides the necessary strength for handling while keeping the overall weight minimal compared to rigid alternative materials.
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 device effectively dampens shock to prevent can damage and allows for efficient bundling, storage, and transportation of multiple cans, while enabling easy handling and stacking.
Implementation Method 1
a device of simple constructions that is capable of protecting beverage cans from damage by dampening the shock from dropping them onto a hard surface
Implementation Method 2
made of resilient material for secure engagement
Implementation Method 3
A device that snaps onto the annular beaded rims of cans, providing protection and forming a carrier that can bundle multiple cans
Implementation Method 4
forming a combination bundler and carrier for multiple canister having such annular beaded rims
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 7
AI summary
A device (1) for protecting annular beaded rims of canisters comprises a substantially planar ring (10) with a plurality of downwardly projecting flanges (12) with arcuate gaps (14) between adjacent flanges. Each of the arcuate gaps having a top side bordered by the planar ring (10) and a bottom side bordered by an arcuate segment (16) connecting adjacent flanges. The arcuate segment (16) also having an inwardly extending arcuate lip (18, Figure 3) substantially parallel to the planar ring. Multiples of the same device (1) may bejoined together to form multiple-canister carriers that may be provided with handles such as a pair of finger loops (24, Figure 7) or a single half loop (26, Figure 8).