Child-Resistant Cigarette Packaging Closure Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant cigarette packaging solutions are ineffective, complex, costly, and difficult to manufacture, failing to prevent children from accessing cigarettes.
Innovation Solution
A cigarette packaging closure comprising an inner tube and an outer tube with a top cap, where the inner tube slides inside the outer tube, and the top cap is lifted off by applying sufficient downward force, requiring adult strength to access the cigarettes, thus preventing child access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing child-resistant cigarette packaging solutions are used, then child access is blocked, but the packaging becomes complex, costly, and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into three separate components: an inner tube that holds the cigarette, an outer tube that provides structural support, and a top cap that seals the package. These segments are connected through a simple snap-fit mechanism rather than complex interlocking structures, achieving child resistance through modular simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, with the inner tube fitting snugly inside the outer tube's cavity. This nesting arrangement provides child resistance through the friction and interference fit between the two tubes, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If existing child-resistant cigarette packaging solutions are used, then child access is blocked, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the packaging into simple tubular components that can be independently manufactured using standard plastic injection molding processes, the invention reduces manufacturing cost. Each component (inner tube, outer tube, top cap) can be produced separately and assembled through simple snap-fit operations, eliminating the need for expensive multi-step manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging is designed as a disposable product using inexpensive plastic materials that can be easily molded and assembled. The simple snap-fit closure and nested tube structure allow for rapid assembly and disposal after use, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate child resistance for the product's short lifecycle.
3Reliability
If existing child-resistant cigarette packaging solutions are used, then child access is blocked, but the packaging becomes difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into simple geometric segments (cylindrical tubes and caps) that can be manufactured using standard injection molding techniques. The snap-fit connection between components requires minimal tooling and assembly steps, making the manufacturing process straightforward and scalable.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested tube structure allows components to be assembled by simply inserting one tube into another, followed by snap-fit attachment of the cap. This nesting approach eliminates complex alignment requirements and multi-step assembly procedures, significantly reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining structural integrity for child resistance.
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
The solution is cost-effective, easy to use, and environmentally friendly, effectively preventing children from accessing cigarettes while allowing adults to easily open the package, regardless of intelligence level, and can be reused, reducing environmental waste.
Implementation Method 1
an inner tube (110) comprising a closed end (112) and an open end (114) on the opposite side... an outer tube (120) comprising an open end (122) on one side and an opposing open end (124) on the opposite side... wherein the inner tube (110) is configured to slide inside the outer tube (120)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a child-resistant cigarette packaging closure. The cigarette packaging closure includes an inner tube, an outer tube, and a top cap. The inner tube is configured to removably retain at least one cigarette inside the inner periphery of the inner tube. The inner tube is configured to be slidably positioned inside the outer tube. The top cap is configured to be lifted off the open end of the outer tube when the outer tube slides relative to the inner tube. The cigarette packaging closure is configured to be accessed by a user that is capable of applying sufficient force, thereby ensuring that the children's accessibility of the cigarette(s) placed inside the inner periphery of the inner tube.