Rotatable Can End Cover for Re-Closing Beverage Pour Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage can ends with easy-open features cannot be re-closed after opening, leading to spillage and loss of carbonation in carbonated beverages.
Innovation Solution
A re-closable can end design featuring a rotatable cover and tab mechanism that allows the pour opening to be closed after initial use, using a seal to prevent spillage and maintain carbonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an easy-open end design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to re-close the container is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The can end is divided into separate functional components: a frangible opening panel for easy opening, a separate cover member for closing, and a tab mechanism for operation. This segmentation allows the opening and closing functions to be independently optimized and combined in a re-closable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is designed to be movable relative to the can end, transitioning between open and closed positions. The tab mechanism provides dynamic control, allowing the user to open, close, and re-close the container multiple times, transforming a static open-or-close design into a dynamic re-closable system.
2Ease of operation
If the can end remains permanently open after initial opening, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance occurs through spillage and carbonation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is pre-positioned to automatically close and seal the pour opening after the opening panel is separated. This preliminary closing action prevents spillage and carbonation loss without requiring additional user intervention, resolving the contradiction between easy access and substance retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member acts as an intermediary element between the opening panel and the container contents. It provides a sealing interface that prevents direct exposure of the contents to the environment while allowing controlled access through the pour opening, thus preventing spillage and carbonation loss.
3Reliability
If a re-closable cover mechanism is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening panel, cover member, and tab mechanism are merged into an integrated assembly where components work together through coordinated movement. The tab is attached to both the opening panel and cover member, combining multiple functions into a single operational unit that reduces overall system complexity despite adding re-closability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to be self-operating through user manipulation of the tab. The mechanical connections and movements are configured so that pulling the tab automatically performs the opening, closing, and sealing actions without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Can ends having re-closable covers are disclosed. An example can end assembly includes a can end having a center panel that defines a pour panel and a cover rotatably coupled to the can end. The cover has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the can end. The cover is rotatable relative to the can end between a first position to at least one of prevent or restrict access to the pour panel and a second position to enable access to the pour panel.