Container Outer Film Segmentation for Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers for consumer goods, such as elongate smoking articles, typically require the removal of a significant portion of the outer film upon opening, which can lead to material waste and loss of design elements like texture and features.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a housing with a hingedly attached lid and an outer film that remains intact after opening, utilizing a multilayer film with lines of weakness and an optional tearing component, allowing only a portion of the film to be removed for easy access while maintaining the wrapper around the hinge area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer film is completely removed upon opening, then the container is easily accessible, but material is wasted and design elements are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The outer film is segmented into two functional zones: a first portion with breaking features (tear lines, perforations) that separates upon opening, and a second portion without breaking features that remains attached to the container. This segmentation allows the film to serve dual purposes: enabling easy opening while preserving design elements on the container.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the necessary portion of the outer film (first portion) is extracted or removed upon opening, while the second portion containing design elements and texture features is deliberately retained on the container, extracting only what is needed for access while preserving aesthetic value.
2Ease of operation
If the outer film is completely removed upon opening, then access to contents is maximized, but texture and design features are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The outer film is divided into a removable first portion and a retained second portion. The second portion maintains the container's surface texture, embossed features, and design elements, preserving the aesthetic and tactile qualities while still allowing full access to contents through the removable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the outer film have different functional qualities: the first portion has breaking features for easy removal, while the second portion maintains intact texture and design features. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of easy access and aesthetic preservation.
3Loss of substance
If a multilayer film is used, then the film can be opened without complete breakage, but the film structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The outer film utilizes a multilayer composite structure where different layers serve different functions: one layer contains breaking features for easy separation, while another layer provides structural integrity and retains design elements. This composite approach enables controlled opening while minimizing material loss, though it does increase structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a housing and an outer film. The housing has an inner surface, an outer surface, a rear wall and a circumferential length. The housing includes a box and a lid hingedly attached to the box at a hinge line on the rear wall of the housing. The housing also includes an opening line. The outer film is disposed on the outer surface of the housing. The outer film includes a covering portion and an opening portion. The opening portion has a length that is less than the circumferential length of the housing and the opening portion is disposed along the opening line of the housing.