Container Fluid Guide Element for Adhesive Distribution Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adhesive distribution in container assembly can be uncontrolled, leading to unintentional attachment of components, such as the lid to the box, making the container difficult to open.

Innovation Solution

The use of a fluid guide element, which can be a depression or protrusion, to direct and contain adhesive, preventing it from spreading to undesired locations and ensuring a controlled adhesive connection between container walls and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive is applied to attach container components, then bonding strength is improved, but adhesive distribution becomes uncontrolled leading to unintentional attachment of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidadhesive distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the adhesive and the container components. This guide element has a guide surface that directs the adhesive flow and a stop surface that limits the adhesive spread, preventing unintentional attachment while maintaining bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of uncontrolled adhesive distribution is extracted and isolated by containing the adhesive within the guide element's structured surfaces. The guide element separates the adhesive from direct contact with unintended areas, allowing controlled bonding without unwanted attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If pressure is applied during adhesive attachment, then bonding reliability is improved, but adhesive spreads to undesired locations causing components to stick together

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding reliabilityVSAvoidcontainer opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element acts as a mediator that allows pressure to be applied for reliable bonding while simultaneously preventing the adhesive from spreading to undesired locations. The stop surface of the guide element physically blocks adhesive migration even under pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element creates local quality differences in the adhesive application area. The guide surface provides a path for adhesive flow where bonding is desired, while the stop surface creates a boundary where adhesive spread is prevented, allowing selective attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If adhesive is applied generously to ensure bonding, then bonding strength is improved, but excess adhesive causes unintentional attachment of lid to box

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidcontainer assembly state
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element serves as an intermediary that accepts generous adhesive application while controlling its distribution. The structured surfaces of the guide element capture and direct the excess adhesive, preventing it from reaching areas where unintentional attachment would occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The excess adhesive, which would normally cause harm through unintentional attachment, is converted into a benefit by being contained within the guide element. The guide element's geometry transforms the potential problem of excess adhesive into a controlled bonding process with improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3533724B1Container with a guide element for adhesive, a method of forming a container and use of a fluide guide elemetn for adhesive
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • EP3533724B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a container (1) for consumer goods, in particular smoking articles, comprising container walls, wherein the container is formed from a blank. At least one container wall comprises a fluid guide element (16, 17, 18, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41) wherein the at least one container wall is formed from a panel (27, 29, 31) of the blank. Adhesive is provided in the area of the fluid guide element, wherein the container wall is fixed by means of the adhesive to a further component of the container. The invention further relates to a blank, a method for forming a container from a blank, and the use of a fluid guide element provided on a wall of a container.