Cigarette Pack Collar with Folding Flaps for Dimensional Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing cigarette packs struggle to accommodate cigarette blocks with dimensions that differ from the pack's interior, requiring complex and costly modifications to maintain constant external dimensions and accommodate varying contents without converting packaging machines.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize folding flaps and a specially designed collar, where the collar is folded into a Z-shape to compensate for dimensional differences between the cigarette block and the pack's interior, allowing for flexible packaging of different contents while maintaining constant external dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pack interior dimensions are made larger than the cigarette block dimensions to accommodate varying contents, then the adaptability to different cigarette block sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for specially designed collars and folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pack structure is divided into functional segments: the box part, the collar, and the folding flaps. The collar is further segmented into side walls and folding flaps that can be independently folded and positioned. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function in accommodating different cigarette block dimensions while maintaining overall pack integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding flaps are designed to be dynamic elements that can be folded and unfolded based on the dimensions of the cigarette block. The collars can be folded into different positions (first position for smaller blocks, second position for larger blocks), allowing the pack structure to adapt dynamically to varying content dimensions without requiring multiple fixed-size pack designs.
2Productivity
If conventional packaging machines are used without conversion to accommodate smaller cigarette blocks, then the productivity is maintained, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to the need to compensate for dimensional differences
Solution Approach 1:
The collar structure performs self-adjustment through its folding mechanism. When the cigarette block dimensions vary, the folding flaps automatically fold to the appropriate position (first or second position) to compensate for the dimensional difference, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or machine conversions. This self-service capability maintains both productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective interior dimensions of the pack are changed by altering the configuration of the collar and folding flaps. By folding the flaps to different positions, the internal volume and dimensions of the pack are adjusted to match the cigarette block dimensions, allowing the same packaging machine to precisely accommodate different product specifications without physical modifications.
3Reliability
If folding flaps are folded against the cigarette block to secure the collar position, then the reliability of the pack structure is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional folding steps
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged into the existing folding flap structure. The same folding flaps that define the collar shape and accommodate dimensional differences also serve to secure the collar position by folding against the cigarette block. This merging eliminates the need for separate securing mechanisms, maintaining reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding flaps act as intermediaries between the collar structure and the cigarette block. They transmit the securing force from the collar to the cigarette block by folding against it, ensuring reliable positioning without requiring direct mechanical connection or additional fastening elements between the collar and the cigarette block.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing packs (10) for cigarettes, wherein the packs (10) have a box part (11), and wherein in the box part (11), at least one cigarette group (33) enveloped in an inner blank (47) and preferably of cuboid shape is arranged as a cigarette block (29). In the box part (11), a collar (26) is arranged, which with a front wall (27) abuts the front wall (15) of the box part (11), at least partially, and which with side walls (28) arranged laterally to the front wall (27) of the collar (26) abuts corresponding side walls (16, 17) of the box part (11). The blanks (51) are each supplied to a pocket (61) of a folding turret (60) while being at least partially folded, wherein a cigarette block (29) and a collar (26) each are inserted into a pocket (61) of the folding turret (60). According to the invention, at least one folding tab (48) formed in at least one side wall (28) of the collar (26), is folded against the cigarette block (29) in the area of the folding turret (60), preferably against a lateral surface of the cigarette block (29) facing towards the front wall (15) of the box part (11).