Tilted Rivet Can Lid Opening Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-piece aluminum beverage cans have pull tabs that are difficult to open due to the rivet's alignment and lack of ergonomic design, leading to user discomfort and increased effort in opening the can.
Innovation Solution
A can lid design featuring a tilted rivet and ramp-up beads that facilitate easier alignment and lifting of the pull tab, providing a tactile click-in effect for proper orientation and reducing the force required to open the can, with a central panel thickness of less than 0.19 mm and a weight of less than 1.9 grams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rivet alignment is used to connect the pull tab to the can lid, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ease of opening the can is reduced due to difficulty in alignment and increased effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is pre-aligned with the tear panel using a tilted rivet that creates a natural alignment during the opening process. The ramp-up beads are pre-positioned to guide the user's finger and provide tactile feedback before the actual opening action, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
Ramp-up beads are introduced as intermediary elements between the user's finger and the pull tab. These beads provide a tactile interface that guides the opening action, mediates the force application, and ensures proper alignment without requiring complex mechanical structures
2Weight of moving object
If the central panel thickness is reduced to decrease the can lid weight, then the weight is reduced and material usage is optimized, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The central panel thickness is optimized to a specific range (0.15-0.19 mm) that balances weight reduction with structural integrity. This parameter change, combined with the reinforced rivet island geometry, achieves the desired weight reduction while maintaining sufficient strength for the opening operation
Solution Approach 2:
The can lid utilizes composite construction with the central panel, chuck wall, and rivet island forming an integrated structure. The strategic thickening of the rivet island area creates a composite effect where the reinforced zone provides local strength while the overall panel remains thin and lightweight
3Ease of operation
If the score line area is increased to improve tear panel opening, then the ease of opening is improved, but the material usage and can lid weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The score line area is optimized to a specific range (250-350 mm²) that provides sufficient opening ease while controlling material usage. This parameter optimization, combined with the controlled distance from the panel radius, achieves the desired opening performance with minimal material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a can lid for an aluminum beverage can. The can lid has a pull tab, a chuck wall defining a plug diameter, a countersink and central panel having a panel radius. On the central panel, a score line defining a tear panel and a rivet for connecting a pull tab to the can lid are arranged. The rivet extends through a rivet island that is arranged between an opening part of the pull tab and a handle part of the pull tab. The lid has lid plug diameter of between 45 to 49 mm, an outside diameter of between 52 to 55 mm and a weight of less than 1.9 grams. The central panel has a thickness of less than 0.19 mm. The score line defines an area of between 300 mm2 to 350 mm2 and the score line has a shortest distance from the panel radius of less than 3 mm.