Spring-Loaded Pivot Top for Beverage Can Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage cans lack a mechanism to prevent insects and debris from entering when not in use, and existing solutions do not automatically default to a sealed position, posing risks of allergic reactions and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pivot top mechanism that automatically seals the can when not in use and requires manual input to open, featuring a spring-loaded design to return to the closed position, compatible with various can sizes and easy to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the can top is left open for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but insects and debris can enter the can causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with a bias toward the closed position through spring loading, so that the protective function is activated automatically without requiring user intervention. The spring mechanism stores energy that continuously pushes the lid toward the sealed position, ensuring the can remains protected until the user deliberately opens it.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically returns to the closed protective position after each use without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded mechanism self-actuates to close the lid after the user lifts it for drinking, providing continuous automatic protection against contamination while maintaining easy access during use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing device is added to prevent contamination, then the protection against harmful factors is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a lid portion that seals the can opening, a body portion that houses the spring mechanism, and an attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between open and closed positions based on user interaction. The spring-loaded mechanism provides dynamic behavior, automatically returning the lid to the closed position after use, which adds functionality without requiring complex control systems.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded automatic closing mechanism is used, then the reliability of sealing is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be inexpensive and simple enough that the entire unit can be disposed of after use, eliminating the need for expensive, highly durable materials. The spring mechanism and lid are constructed from basic, low-cost components that provide sufficient reliability for single-use or limited-use scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides automatic closing action without requiring motors, batteries, or complex electronic controls, keeping manufacturing costs low. The mechanical spring system is simple to produce and assemble, providing reliable sealing through pure mechanical means.
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
Effectively prevents insects and debris from entering the can, ensuring user safety by defaulting to a sealed position and requiring user action to access the beverage, while being cost-effective and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a spring-loaded design to return to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A drink device 16 is shown and described. The drink device 16 can be located adjacent to a beverage can 17 such that a first position provides closure of the drinking hole 36 on the top of can 17. When the user applies a force to the drink device 16 the drinking hole 36 is exposed (second position) allowing the user to consume the beverage. When the force is removed from the drink device 16 another manual force is used to close the drinking device 16 adjacent to the drinking hole 36 or first or closed position. Alternatively, a spring 68 and spring force is used to bias the drinking device 16 against the drinking hole 36 and the top of the can 17 or back to the first or closed position. Decorative items such as stickers and sports paraphernalia can be affixed to the top of the pivot top.