Cardboard Filter Sticks With Partial Connections for Easy Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cigarette filters, particularly those made of cardboard or cellulose, are prone to scattering and loss when packaging is opened or dropped, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency in use and storage.

Innovation Solution

A set of filters made from a single sheet of cardboard or cellulosic material, with partial cutouts forming bridges between neighboring filters, allowing easy separation and connection, ensuring cohesion during packaging and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple filters are packaged loosely or in bags, then they are easy to access, but they scatter and fall to the ground when packaging is opened or dropped

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of filtersVSAvoidRetention of filters in packaging
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual filters are merged into a single unified stick structure through partial connections. The filters remain separable individually but are retained together as a group within the packaging, eliminating scattering while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stick is segmented into multiple individual filters that can be separated from each other. Each filter remains a distinct, usable unit while being part of a larger connected structure during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If filters are connected strongly, then they remain together in packaging, but they are difficult to separate when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRetention of filters in packagingVSAvoidSeparation of filters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between filters is segmented into partial connections rather than complete bonding. This allows filters to be firmly retained in the stick structure during storage while enabling easy separation when a user needs to access an individual filter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If filters are made from separate pieces of material, then manufacturing is flexible, but production is more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveManufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidFilter production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filters are manufactured by winding a single continuous sheet of material around a mandrel, creating the entire stick structure in one operation. This merging of manufacturing steps significantly improves productivity while maintaining the flexibility of cardboard or cellulosic material formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Quantity of substance

If filters are packaged in boxes or bags, then they can be stored, but they occupy more space and are less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNumber of filters storedVSAvoidPackaging volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filters are merged into a single compact stick structure, dramatically reducing the volume required for storage and transport. The connected structure allows filters to be held together in a space-efficient manner compared to loose packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3979852B1Set of stick-shaped filters made of cardboard
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES (NA) LLC
  • EP3979852B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3979852B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10
  • EP3979852B1 patent drawingFigure 11

AI summary

The present invention relates in particular to a set (2) of filters (10) made of cardboard or cellulosic material. In particular, the set is characterised by the fact that it is in the shape of a generally cylindrical stick which is made up of a plurality of individual filters (10), each formed of a winding on itself of a side made of cardboard or cellulosic material, said filters (10) being arranged in extension of one another and being partially connected in pairs by connecting means (3), such that it is possible to separate at least one filter (10) from the stick by removing or severing the connecting means (3).