Hinge-Lid Cigarette Pack Click Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding boxes for cigarettes lack a simple and cost-effective way to produce a clicking noise when the lid is opened, requiring additional parts or complex mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The use of embossed projections on the packaging material, specifically thin cardboard, to create support elements that interact with a pivotable tab or click tongue, generating a clicking noise without additional components, and allowing for improved production integration with existing manufacturing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional parts or complex mechanisms are used to produce clicking noise, then the clicking noise function is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclicking noise functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging material itself serves dual purposes: it provides structural support and generates the clicking noise through embossed projections. The embossed projections on the collar front wall automatically engage with the lid inner flap during opening, producing the desired clicking sound without requiring separate noise-generating components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support function and noise-generating function are merged into a single integrated structure. The embossed projections on the collar simultaneously provide mechanical support for the lid and create the clicking noise through their interaction with the lid inner flap, eliminating the need for separate functional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If additional parts or complex mechanisms are used to produce clicking noise, then the clicking noise function is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclicking noise functionVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The embossed projections are pre-formed on the collar during the blank production stage using standard embossing tools. This preliminary action ensures that the noise-generating features are already in place before assembly, requiring no additional manufacturing steps or specialized equipment during the packaging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The existing embossing and punching tools used for producing the collar structure are also used to create the noise-generating embossed projections. This multi-functional use of standard manufacturing equipment maintains production efficiency while adding the clicking noise capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If embossed projections are made with sufficient depth to enter recesses, then the closing function is improved, but the projections may be deformed and effectiveness reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing functionVSAvoidprojection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The depth and dimensions of the embossed projections are precisely controlled within specific ranges to optimize performance. The projections are designed with adequate depth to enter the recesses and provide reliable closing function, while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to avoid deformation during the closing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides a clear and effective clicking noise mechanism during lid opening, enhancing the closing function and noise experience while maintaining production efficiency and simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

supporting edges, which face one another and generate a noise, in particular a clicking noise, when the lid (11) is opened

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical impact: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3197787B1Hinge-lid pack for cigarettes
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 FOCKE & CO (GMBH & CO KG)
  • EP3197787B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3197787B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9
  • EP3197787B1 patent drawingFigure 10~13

AI summary

A cigarette pack embodied as a hinge-lid pack is provided with elements which produce a "click" sound when the lid (11) is opened. These elements are embossed protrusions (33), which are preferably applied to a collar front wall (29) by means of material deformation, and pivotable tab click-lugs (38) which are applied by means of a corresponding stamping method in the region of an inner-lid tab (20). Both interacting supporting elements form supporting edges (36) and counter-supporting edges (40).