Hinge-Lid Package Round Edges via Inclined Inner Notch Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge-lid packages for rod-shaped smoking articles have angular edges that make them uncomfortable to hold and prone to stress concentration at notch line arrays, leading to fragile portions and poor formation of round edges.
Innovation Solution
The package features a box body with round edges formed by inclined notch arrays on the inner surface, which are not exposed on the outer surface, and includes reinforcing patches to stabilize the folding process and prevent deformation, allowing for smooth and reliable opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If notch line arrays are formed in the blank to create round edges, then the package fits comfortably in the hand, but stress concentrates at the notch lines causing fragile portions and poor folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the notch lines invisible on the outer surface while functional on the inner surface. The notch lines are positioned such that they are concealed within the package structure, providing the necessary flexibility for comfortable handling without compromising the aesthetic appearance or structural integrity visible from the outside.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the notch lines from the outer surface to the inner surface of the package. This dimensional relocation allows the notch lines to function for flexibility and comfort while being hidden from external view, effectively separating the functional requirement from the aesthetic requirement.
2Shape
If notch lines are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction, then round edges are formed, but acute angle folding occurs at fragile portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging the notch lines at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the package. This angular arrangement creates an asymmetric pattern that distributes folding stress more evenly, preventing the acute angle folding that occurs with parallel arrangements while still achieving the desired round edge formation.
3Reliability
If the blank has uneven thickness with thin regions, then notch lines may create extremely thin fragile portions, but increasing thickness uniformity complicates manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the notch lines in specific locations on the blank before folding. The notch lines are strategically placed to avoid the thinnest regions of the uneven thickness blank, ensuring that even with thickness variations, the notch lines will not create excessively fragile portions. This pre-planning approach maintains reliability without requiring complex manufacturing controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge-lid package has a box body and a lid, the box body and the lid being formed from a blank (28). The blank (28) has strip-like notch arrays (16a and 18a) for making longitudinal edges of the box body and of the lid into round edges. The notch arrays (16a and 18a) have a large number of notch rows (19) formed only in the inner surface of the blank (28). The notch rows (19) are inclined in relation to the longitudinal direction of the blank (28), and are formed at intervals in a width direction of the notch arrays (16a and 18a).