Cigarette Paper Marking for Remaining Sheet Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cigarette paper notebooks do not allow users to easily determine the number of sheets remaining, leading to unexpected shortages and ecological issues with additional markers that are often discarded and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating visible markings on some sheets towards the end of the reserve, preferably on the glue strip, to indicate the number of remaining sheets, which are not visible once a cigarette is rolled and do not disrupt usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a bookmark or special sheet is introduced to indicate remaining sheets, then the user can identify the number of sheets remaining, but the device complexity increases and additional waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The marking indicating the number of remaining sheets is merged directly onto the cigarette paper sheets themselves, specifically on the glue strip. This eliminates the need for separate bookmark components while providing the same information function. The marking is integrated into the existing sheet structure, combining the information-carrying function with the functional cigarette paper.
Solution Approach 2:
The glue strip on the cigarette paper sheets serves multiple functions: it provides the adhesive function for rolling cigarettes and simultaneously carries the marking information about remaining sheets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indicator components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the information provision function.
2Loss of information
If a bookmark is introduced to indicate remaining sheets, then the user can identify the number of sheets remaining, but loss of substance increases due to discarded markers
Solution Approach 1:
The information marking is merged onto the functional cigarette paper sheets that are already part of the consumable product. When the sheets are used up, the markings naturally disappear with the sheets themselves, eliminating separate waste streams from indicator components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding separate bookmark indicators, the information is carried on the sheets themselves which are consumed and discarded as part of normal usage. This integrates the information carrier into the consumable material, so no additional substance is wasted.
3Loss of information
If a window is created in packaging to see remaining sheets, then the user can visually check sheets remaining, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical/optical system of creating physical windows in packaging is replaced with a marking system that uses visual indicators printed or applied directly on the sheets. This substitution eliminates the need for precise window fabrication while achieving the same information provision through a simpler process.
Data Source
Figure 1~7
AI summary
The pack has sheets (160) of cigarette paper comprising a visible marking (170) whose content permits a user to identify the number of sheets remaining in the pack. The marking is formed of a pattern or a set of patterns and/or text or a set of alphanumeric texts. The marking is formed by burning or perforation of paper through laser or by an embossing type mechanical unit or perforation through needle. The marking is placed on a portion of the sheet that is not visible when the cigarette is rolled as the marked area is covered by non-marked or non-perforated paper. USE : Cigarette paper pack. ADVANTAGE : The pack improves usage comfort of the pack to easily find the number of sheets remaining in the pack, without special handling or operation. The marking is placed on an adhesive band, so that the marking is not visible when the cigarette is rolled and does not disturb usage of the cigarette. The pack permits simultaneous marking of the sheets to identify the number of remaining sheets and authentication of marking of origin of sheets to avoid forgery. The pack permits authentication marking to be realized on the sheets, without burdening production cost, as the marking is realized with same equipment as implemented for realizing marking and identifying the number of remaining sheets. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a perspective view of a cigarette paper pack. 112 : Chamber 114 : Window 150 : Storage of papers 160 : Sheets of cigarette paper 170 : Visible marking.