Accordion-Folded Bulk Packaging With Roughened Surface Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for loose bulk goods, such as loose tobacco, is difficult to handle in an opened state and lacks efficient mechanisms for processing the contents.
Innovation Solution
The packaging features a receiving area formed by superimposed rectangular wall sections with accordion-folded walls, incorporating a rigid, roughened surface element attached to one wall section, and includes a flap section for closure and additional features like an ignition element and stuffing tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the receiving area is formed by superimposed rectangular wall sections with accordion-folded walls, then the handling ease is improved by providing ample space for accessing contents, but the device complexity increases due to the multi-component structure
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving area is divided into two superimposed rectangular wall sections that can be opened independently like book covers. This segmentation allows the packaging to be opened wide to provide ample space for hand access while maintaining a compact closed structure. Each wall section can be manipulated separately, improving handling ease without requiring a completely complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The accordion-folded walls provide a dynamic mechanism that allows the wall sections to move relative to each other. When opened, the accordion folds expand to create lateral space between wall sections, accommodating hand access. When closed, the folds compress to minimize the overall footprint. This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction between providing space for handling and maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid roughened surface element is attached to the wall section, then the functionality is improved for processing tobacco, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The roughened surface element is merged with the wall section structure rather than being a separate independent component. The element is attached directly to the wall section, combining the structural and processing functions into a single integrated assembly. This reduces the effective complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms while maintaining the tobacco processing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall section serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment, supports the roughened surface element for tobacco processing, and forms part of the sealed receiving area. By making the wall section multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing processing capability.
3Ease of operation
If the roughened section is positioned away from the longer edge where wall sections join, then the ease of operation is improved for accessing tobacco, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roughened surface element is positioned at a specific location on the wall section away from the longer edge where wall sections join. This local positioning creates a zone of enhanced functionality for tobacco processing while maintaining simplicity in the overall structure. The positioning is designed to be intuitively accessible during use without requiring complex precision manufacturing, as it leverages the natural opening geometry of the packaging.
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
Enhances handling ease by providing ample space for accessing contents and integrating functional elements for processing and use, such as rolling and lighting cigarettes directly from the package.
Implementation Method 1
an element with a roughened surface is arranged in a fixed position in the receiving area... intended to roughen tobacco particles or other components
Implementation Method 2
the shorter side edges of which are connected to the other by accordion-folded walls... Opening them increases the distance between the wall sections, creating a space between them
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In a packaging (1) for loose bulk goods, in particular for loose tobacco, with at least one receiving area for the bulk goods, wherein at least one element (6) with a roughened surface is arranged in a fixed position in the receiving area, it is provided that the receiving area is formed by two superimposed rectangular wall sections (4, 4') of the same shape, each of which is connected to each other at a longer side edge and whose shorter side edges are connected to each other via accordion-folded walls (5, 5').