Vented Beverage Can End With Button-Actuated Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage can ends face challenges in reliability and functionality, particularly in vent opening mechanisms, which are crucial for efficient pressure release and pouring, especially when produced in large quantities and rated for high pressures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a specific structural relationship between the vent score and button on the vent panel, including a peripheral curl, wall structure, center panel, main score, tab, and vent features such as a vent score, upwardly protruding button, and vent hinge, optimized for reliable rupture and enhanced venting capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the vent score is located farther from the button sidewall, then the structure is easier to manufacture, but the downward force from the tab heel cannot reliably rupture the vent score
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the distance parameter D3 between the vent score and button sidewall within the range of -0.010 to 0.020 inches. This dimensional parameter optimization ensures that the downward force from the tab heel reliably transmits to rupture the vent score while maintaining manufacturability.
2Reliability
If the vent score is located closer to the button sidewall, then the vent opening is more reliable, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the manufacturing precision challenge by defining a specific dimensional range for parameter D3 (-0.010 to 0.020 inches), which balances reliable vent rupture with achievable manufacturing tolerances. This parameter optimization allows consistent production while maintaining functional reliability.
3Strength
If the can end is designed for high pressure containment (85 psi or greater), then the structural strength is improved, but the vent opening mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vent opening function with the existing tab structure by positioning the vent score within the tab's actuation path. The tab heel naturally contacts and ruptures the vent score during normal opening operations, eliminating the need for separate vent activation mechanisms while maintaining high pressure containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary opening mechanism for the main pour opening and simultaneously functions as the actuator for the vent opening through its heel portion. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining both venting and pressure containment capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage can end (10) has a vent (40) that includes a button (50). The vent is actuated by downward force of a pull tab (70) that is transmitted to the vent score (42) through the button.