Thin Metal Crown Closure With Rounded Edge for Pressure Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crown caps require a minimum thickness of 0.16 mm to withstand pressures, leading to material wastage and sharp edges that pose handling risks, while thinner materials compromise cap strength and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method to produce metal caps with thicknesses between 0.12 and 0.16 mm, featuring a rounded edge and radial deformations for enhanced strength and safety, allowing the cap to withstand higher pressures without increasing production complexity or costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the thickness of the cap material is reduced to save material and cost, then material usage and cost decrease, but the cap's ability to withstand pressure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies curvature to the edge of the cap by creating a rounded profile through progressive deformation between two rolls. This curved geometry redistributes stress more effectively than a sharp edge, allowing thinner material (0.08-0.15mm) to withstand the same pressures as thicker conventional caps. The rounded edge acts as a stress concentrator that prevents crack initiation and propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap edge is transformed from a static sharp geometry to a dynamic rounded profile through the deformation process. The progressive bending between rolls creates a controlled curvature that adapts the stress distribution throughout the cap structure, enhancing pressure resistance without increasing material thickness.
2Strength
If the thickness of the cap material is increased to withstand higher pressures, then pressure resistance improves, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing material thickness to improve pressure resistance, the invention uses edge curvature to achieve the same mechanical strength. The rounded profile created by progressive deformation between rolls distributes stress more efficiently, allowing the use of thinner material (0.08-0.15mm) while maintaining or exceeding the pressure resistance of conventional thicker caps.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional punching presses are used to cut and form the cap, then production simplicity is maintained, but the edge becomes sharp and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional sharp-edged cap produced by punching presses with a rounded-edge cap. The edge is progressively deformed between two rolls to create a smooth curved profile, eliminating the sharp dangerous edges while maintaining production efficiency. This curvature transformation addresses the safety issue without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the cap edge from a sharp angle to a rounded curve. This parameter transformation is achieved through progressive deformation between rolls, which gradually bends the edge material into a smooth arc. The change in edge geometry eliminates the harmful sharpness while preserving the cap's structural integrity and manufacturability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the cap edge is rounded to eliminate sharp edges, then safety improves, but production complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic element to the cap production process by implementing progressive deformation between two rolls. This dynamic forming process gradually shapes the edge from flat to rounded through controlled bending, achieving the safety benefit while integrating smoothly into existing production lines without requiring completely new equipment.
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
The method enables the production of caps that are stronger, safer, and more economical, with reduced material usage while maintaining the ability to withstand typical and higher pressures, and can be opened like traditional crown caps.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding tubular contact element movable along the inner contact element towards the fixed contact element for following a peripheral area of an edge of the capsule, causing a rounding or folding
Data Source
AI summary
A metal closure for containers comprising a capsule designed to be applied to an opening of a container and including a circular part from which extends a perimeter edge. The perimeter of the edge has a rounding or folding obtained by curling and has a series of deformations made in a radial direction towards the centre of the capsule for forming the seal.