Cigarette Pack Closure Label With Segmented Stabilization Strips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cigarette packs with lateral stabilization strips extending over the full length of the closure label make handling and initial actuation of the sealing pack difficult and prone to failure due to obstruction by side material strips.

Innovation Solution

The design features shortened stabilization strips in the inner front wall area, allowing for easier operation of the closure label without obstruction, with perforation lines separating the stabilizing strips from the closure label, ensuring they remain adhered to the pack for repeated use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If lateral stabilization strips extend over the full length of the closure label, then the dimensional stability of the sealing block is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to obstruction by side material strips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stability of sealing blockVSAvoidhandling and initial actuation of closure label
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure label is segmented into two functional parts: stabilization strips that extend laterally to provide dimensional stability, and a central actuation area that is shortened and exposed for easy handling. The perforation lines separate these segments, allowing the stabilization strips to remain adhered while the actuation area can be freely manipulated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the closure label have different properties: the lateral stabilization strips provide structural support and dimensional stability, while the central actuation area is designed with shortened legs to be exposed and easily operable. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If stabilization strips are separated from the closure label via perforation lines, then the ease of operation is improved by exposing the closure label, but the reliability deteriorates as the separation may cause failure during opening and closing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation of closure labelVSAvoidadhesive connection during opening and closing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure label is divided into stabilization strips and actuation area through perforation lines. The stabilization strips remain adhered to the sealing block to maintain reliability, while the actuation area is separated to improve ease of operation. The segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation area is extracted from the continuous closure label structure through perforation lines, separating it from the stabilization strips. This extraction allows the actuation area to be freely manipulated while the stabilization strips remain in place to maintain the adhesive connection and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Shape

If the closure label is fully covered by stabilization strips, then the shape retention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape retention of sealing blockVSAvoidaccessibility of closure label
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure label exhibits local quality differentiation: stabilization strips extend laterally to provide shape retention and structural support, while the central actuation area has shortened legs that are exposed and accessible for operation. This local differentiation allows both shape retention and ease of operation to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization strips extend in the lateral dimension to provide shape retention, while the actuation area is shortened in the vertical dimension to be exposed and accessible. This dimensional differentiation resolves the contradiction between shape retention and operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design enhances the shape retention and ease of use by exposing the closure label for initial actuation without side strip interference, improving the opening and closing process of the pack.

Implementation Method 1

The removal opening is covered by a multiple-use closure tab, which is releasably fixed in an adhesive connection for multiple use of the opening aid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive connection: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3003884B1Cigarette pack
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 FOCKE & CO (GMBH & CO KG)
  • EP3003884B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3003884B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3003884B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a (cigarette) pack made of sealing film, which has an opening structure that can be used multiple times in the area of an inner front wall (26). By using a closure label (30) that can be used multiple times and is fixed by adhesive bonding, a removal opening in the pack film can be opened. The closure label (30) has lateral stabilization strips (32) which, as original parts of the closure label (30), are separated therefrom during the first use of the closure label (30). The stabilization strips (32) effect shaping reinforcement in the area of the inner front wall (26) Furthermore, (lateral) sealing seams – side seams (15, 16) – are arranged in a special way in order to ensure the box-like contour of the pack.