Cigarette Packet Rear Coupon Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rigid, hinged-lid packets of cigarettes with coupons often have the coupon covering the pull-off portion of the inner package, making it difficult for smokers to access cigarettes without first removing the coupon, as there is no convenient way to dispose or conserve the coupon.

Innovation Solution

A rigid, hinged-lid packet design where the coupon is positioned in a way that it does not obstruct access to the pull-off portion, allowing users to extract cigarettes without removing the coupon initially, with the coupon being easily detachable when a suitable place is available.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the coupon is located inside the outer container at the front between the inner package and outer container, then the coupon is visible and accessible, but it covers the pull-off portion making it difficult to remove without first removing the coupon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupon placementVSAvoidaccess to cigarettes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupon is divided into two functional parts: a fixed portion attached to the outer container that provides advertising information, and a removable portion that can be detached without removing the entire coupon. This segmentation allows the pull-off portion to be accessed and removed independently while the advertising coupon remains in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The problematic element (the coupon covering the pull-off portion) is extracted or removed from its obstructing position. The coupon is repositioned to the rear of the inner package where it cannot interfere with the pull-off mechanism, eliminating the obstruction while preserving the advertising function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the coupon is placed at the front to be visible, then advertising effectiveness is improved, but users cannot access cigarettes conveniently without removing the coupon first

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupon removalVSAvoidtime to access cigarettes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupon is segmented into fixed and removable portions, allowing users to access cigarettes immediately by removing only the necessary part while the advertising coupon remains visible on the package.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupon is pre-positioned at the rear of the inner package rather than the front, so that it does not initially obstruct the pull-off portion. This preliminary placement decision eliminates the need for users to spend time removing a front-positioned coupon before accessing cigarettes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the coupon is positioned to not obstruct the pull-off portion, then access to cigarettes is easy, but the coupon may not be as visible or accessible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to cigarettesVSAvoidadvertising effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupon is repositioned from the traditional front horizontal placement to the rear vertical placement on the inner package. This dimensional change allows the coupon to remain visible and accessible while eliminating obstruction of the pull-off portion, as it is now positioned where it cannot interfere with the opening mechanism.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the coupon at the front where it is most visible but obstructive, the coupon is inverted to the rear position where it is equally visible when the package is held normally, but no longer creates harmful obstruction. The advertising function is preserved while the harmful effect is eliminated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2213590B1Rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes with a rear coupon
Publication Date: 2011.03.23 GD SPA
  • EP2213590B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2213590B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2213590B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

A packet (1) of cigarettes having a group (4) of cigarettes; an inner package (3) enclosing the group (4) of cigarettes and having a front wall (21) and a rear wall (22); an outer container (2) housing the inner package (3) and having a lid (7) hinged along a hinge (8), a front wall (11), and a rear wall (12) opposite the front wall (11) and having the hinge (8); and a coupon (26) housed inside the outer container (2), contacting the rear wall (22) of the inner package (3), and between the rear wall (12) of the outer container (2) and the rear wall (22) of the inner package (3).