Dispensing Case Pre-Cut Tab Mechanism for Fragile Tube Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispenser boxes for cigarette tubes often damage the tubes during opening and can eject them, making it difficult to open and reclose the box without causing further issues.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser box design featuring a pre-cut tongue that opens at a corner, allowing access to the tubes without pressure on the tubes, and a reclosable tab that uses a non-strictly rectilinear edge for easy repositioning, preventing tubes from being ejected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressure is exerted on the front side of the box to open it, then the closure tab can be disengaged from its housing, but the tubes can be damaged or ejected
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is segmented into two parts: a fixed portion and a movable portion that can translate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the movable portion to apply opening force to the closure tab while the fixed portion maintains structural support, preventing tube damage during the opening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A closure member is introduced as an intermediary element between the user's opening action and the closure tab. The movable portion of the front wall acts as a mediator that translates the opening motion to disengage the closure tab from its housing, distributing the force and preventing direct pressure on the tubes.
2Ease of operation
If tubes are ejected from the box during opening, then access to the tubes is achieved, but replacing them properly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall's movable portion provides dynamic control over the opening process, allowing the closure tab to be disengaged smoothly without sudden movements that could eject tubes. The controlled motion ensures tubes remain in place while access is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The design ensures tubes are securely positioned before opening occurs. The movable portion of the front wall is designed to disengage the closure tab in a controlled manner that prevents tube ejection, making subsequent reclosure straightforward without requiring complex repositioning operations.
3Device complexity
If a simple closure tab and housing design is used, then the structure remains simple, but the risk of tube damage during opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is divided into fixed and movable portions, adding a simple segmentation to the otherwise simple closure structure. This minimal structural modification enables controlled opening that prevents tube damage while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the front wall serves as a simple intermediary element that mediates between the user's opening action and the closure tab. This adds only one functional element to the simple structure while effectively preventing tube deterioration during opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dispensing case for fragile items (100), particularly cigarette tubes, characterized in that it comprises a pre-cut (250) adapted to define a tab (270) hinged to a wall (220) of the case, in a corner thereof, so that, after the pre-cut (250) breaks, the case (200) can be opened at the tab (270) to access the items (100), while allowing the case to be reclosed by replacing the tab (270) in its initial closed position. The invention makes it possible to limit the risk of damage to the items.