Thermochromic Tab for Temperature Indicating Can Ends
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can end tabs fail to effectively convey information and decorative capabilities using thermochromic materials due to manufacturing impracticalities, as adding multiple layers of decoration is not feasible in typical processes, leading to commercial unsuccess.
Innovation Solution
Integration of multiple layers of thermochromic materials on can ends and tabs, including temperature-indicating means that change color upon reaching specific temperatures, allowing for both decorative and informative features without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple layers of thermochromic materials are added to can ends and tabs, then temperature indication and decorative capabilities are improved, but manufacturing complexity and impracticality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermochromic material application into distinct zones on the can end and tab, with different materials indicating different temperature ranges. This allows multiple temperature indications without requiring uniform multi-layer coverage throughout the entire surface, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining comprehensive temperature information conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the can end and tab are assigned different thermochromic materials with specific temperature response characteristics. This local differentiation enables selective temperature indication in various areas without requiring all areas to have the same material layers, thus reducing overall manufacturing complexity while preserving informative functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of decoration are added to can ends, then decorative capabilities and marketing potential are improved, but manufacturing feasibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermochromic materials that serve dual purposes: they provide temperature information functionality and simultaneously offer decorative appeal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate decorative layers, as the thermochromic materials themselves can be formulated with aesthetic properties, thereby maintaining manufacturing feasibility while enhancing both informative and decorative capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite thermochromic materials that combine functional temperature-indicating properties with decorative characteristics. These composite materials are applied in specific configurations on the can end and tab, providing both information conveyance and aesthetic appeal without requiring multiple separate decorative layers, thus maintaining manufacturing feasibility while achieving enhanced versatility.
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 effective communication of temperature information and decorative capabilities through color-changing thermochromic materials, enhancing the marketing potential of can ends while maintaining practical manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature indicating means comprising a first thermochromic material which undergoes a color change upon reaching a first predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A metallic can end for a container is described. The metallic can end has a curl defining an outer perimeter of the can end. A wall extends downwardly from the curl. A strengthening member is joined to a lowermost end of the wall. A center panel is joined to the strengthening member and is centered about a longitudinal axis. The center panel has a product side and a public side. A rivet is located on the center panel. A displaceable tear panel is on the center panel. The tear panel is at least substantially defined by a frangible score and a non frangible hinge segment. A non-detachable tab is staked to the center panel by the rivet. The non-detachable tab has a nose end extending over a portion of the tear panel, a lift end opposite the nose end, and a central webbing between the nose and lift end. The webbing has a hinge region and a rivet island surrounding the rivet. The rivet island is at least partially surrounded by a first void region to provide a first exposed area of the center panel. A first temperature indicator has a first thermochromic material which undergoes a color change upon reaching a first predetermined temperature. The first temperature indicator is located on the non-detachable tab.