Re-Closable Can End With Rotatable Cover For Spill Control
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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 that can be switched between open and closed positions, providing a seal to prevent spillage and preserve contents.
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 is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The can end is divided into separate functional components: a cover portion that can rotate independently, a tab mechanism for opening, and a seal portion. This segmentation allows the cover to be opened easily via the tab while maintaining the ability to rotate back and close the cover over the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with rotational movement capability, transitioning from a static closed position to a dynamic open position and back. The cover rotates about an axis to expose the opening when needed and can be rotated back to close and seal the opening, providing re-closability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the can end remains permanently open after opening, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portion is pre-configured to automatically engage and seal the opening when the cover is in the closed position. This preliminary sealing action prevents spillage and carbonation loss whenever the can is not actively being poured, while still allowing easy access when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element between the opening and the external environment. When closed, it physically blocks the opening to prevent substance loss. When opened, it allows access. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction between easy access and preventing loss.
3Reliability
If a re-closable cover is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening tab and the re-closable cover are merged into a single integrated component. The tab serves dual functions: initially breaking the seal to open the can, and then serving as part of the cover mechanism that can be rotated to close and reopen the can. This merging reduces overall complexity while maintaining re-closability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover component performs multiple functions: it seals the opening when closed, can be rotated to expose the opening for pouring, and can be rotated back to close and seal the opening again. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing device complexity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An example can end includes a can end having center panel defining a pour panel and a first wall extending from the center panel. A cover defines a first opening and rotatably couples to the can end. The cover is rotatable relative to the pour panel between a first position and a second position. The opening of the cover aligns with the pour panel to allow access to the pour panel when the cover is in the first position. The opening of the cover is offset relative to the pour panel such that the opening is misaligned with the pour panel to at least one of restrict or prevent access to the pour panel when the cover is in the second position.