Semicircular Closure Element for Beverage Cans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure elements for beverage cans lack versatility and additional functional uses beyond their primary purpose, and there is a need for a design that can also serve as a plectrum and an insert chip for shopping trolleys.
Innovation Solution
A closure element with a semicircular outline and a lateral recess for pivot bearing, featuring a triangular projection for easy gripping and a hole for attachment, allowing it to function as a can closure, plectrum, and insert chip, potentially made from corn starch for environmental reasons, and integrated into a card with a detachable closure element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the closure element is designed with a simple trapezoidal outline for can closure functionality, then it is easy to produce and provides good playing quality as a plectrum, but it lacks additional functional uses
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed with a semicircular outline that enables three distinct functions: can closure (via lateral recess for pin mounting), plectrum (triangular projection for gripping and string contact), and shopping trolley insert chip (semicircular shape fitting into key openings). This multi-functional design directly resolves the contradiction by making one object serve multiple purposes without significantly increasing complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the closure element is made from conventional plastic materials, then it provides durability and ease of manufacture, but it has negative environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is made from corn starch, a biodegradable natural material that replaces conventional plastics. This material choice reduces environmental impact while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and ease of manufacture
3Ease of operation
If the closure element lacks gripping features, then it has simpler structure, but it is difficult to handle and use
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular projection is added locally to the closure element to provide gripping functionality. This localized feature improves ease of operation without requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Disclosed is a closure element for beverage cans or the like, comprising a disk-shaped member (2) which has a laterally open rotary bearing opening (3) for sliding the disk-shaped member (2) onto a peg of a closure clip of a beverage can, and which is designed as an insertable chip for shopping trolleys and therefore has an at least semicircular to circular contour (2') in which the rotary bearing opening (3) is provided in the form of a lateral recess.