How does an electric can opener work? Specifically, what holds the can in place once it is opened?!?

Question

Was using an electric can opener (from Bed Bath & Beyond) last night, and this question occured to me:

What actually holds the opened can in place?! The way my can opener works, the blade cuts the can from the top, and when done, it seems like the body of the can should drop and spill to the floor. But it remains suspended, and am wondering what exactly is holding it in place? I've never had spillage and wondering what makes the mechanism work so well, every time?!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

there is of course the magnet for the lid...but the edge or lip of the can is what holds it on the gear of the can opener..that little wheel looking thing and i just checked mine does not have a magnet for the can itself

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks. Many of the responses indicated a small magnet, but seems like that holds the lid in place as the can is being cut.

The edge of the can being held on the gear of the can opener makes sense, though I'm surprised that little mechanism works as well as it does!

Thanks for the responses!

Answer 2

usually a small magnet

Answer 3

there is a magnet holding the can up, im pretty sure ... hope this helps!

Answer 4

ok here is how you work an electric can opener

* first put the can on the magnet ( there should be a magnet somewhere on the can opener)
* second keep you hand on the electric can opener but dont hold it just keep kinda close so it wont fall while it turns
*third take your can pull off the lid and throw away
*last enjoy! :)

Source(s):

i learned this from my mom YUP my mom

Answer 5

Undoubtedly...magic. You are right, it's weird. I think the can opener clamps around the ridge of the can and is strong enough to hold it, but you would think the can would fall, or the whole thing would tip over, and it doesn't. Good engineering.

Answer 6

Magic

Answer 7

Germs.