Tab Bending Device for Sealed Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers with flat tabs pose difficulties for users to grasp and bend the tabs without unsealing the contents, and for manufacturers, bending tabs on filled containers is challenging, leading to feeding issues in assembly lines and poor quality output.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a brace with a contact surface, a movable contact member with a circumferential tapered section, and pivotally attached lever arms that apply a bending force to the tab without unsealing the container, allowing the tab to be bent while maintaining the container sealed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a flat tab is attached to a filled container, then the container can be sealed, but the tab cannot be bent without unsealing the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab bending capabilityVSAvoidcontainer seal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the tab bending operation into multiple controlled actions: the brace contacts the tab at a specific location, lever arms apply localized force, and the process is divided into discrete steps that prevent unsealing. This segmentation allows manufacturing operations to be performed without compromising seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device introduces intermediary components (brace, lever arms, contact members) between the user/manufacturing equipment and the tab. These intermediaries control the force application and distribute it in a way that bends the tab without transmitting enough force to break the seal at the container end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the first end of the tab is positioned close to the container top, then the container structure is compact, but users have difficulty grasping and applying force to the tab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab grasping easeVSAvoidcontainer compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by contacting and positioning the tab with the brace before applying bending force. This preliminary contact establishes a stable base and allows the lever arms to apply force at optimal locations, making the tab easier to operate without requiring it to extend further from the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the dimension of force application by using lever arms that pivot to apply force from multiple angles and locations on the tab. This multi-dimensional approach to force application makes it easier for users to grasp and operate the tab while maintaining compact container dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If bent tabs are used on container ends, then user access is improved, but feeding issues occur in assembly line machinery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser access to containerVSAvoidassembly line output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary tab bending at a controlled stage in the manufacturing process, before containers are placed on the assembly line. This timing allows bent tabs to be created without interfering with subsequent feeding operations, resolving the conflict between user access improvement and assembly line productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables the bending of tabs on sealed containers without unsealing the contents, facilitating easier user access and improving manufacturing efficiency by preventing feeding issues in assembly lines.

Implementation Method 1

lever arms positioned around the brace that each includes an intermediate section that is pivotally attached to the support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

Each of the lever arms includes a first end with an angled contact surface and an opposing second end with a bearing that contacts against the tapered section of the contact member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

The contact member includes a circumferential tapered section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS10065232B2Devices and methods for bending a tab on a container

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 STATION 4

AI summary

A device to bend a tab on a container that is already filled and sealed. The device includes a brace for contacting against the tab and a number of lever arms arranged to extend around the tab from multiple different sides. The lever arms are configured to move between a first orientation that are spaced away from the tab, and a second orientation in contact with the tab. The lever arms are further configured to apply a force to the end of the tab to bend a second end upward away from a top side of the container.