Interactive Tobacco Package Circuit for Consumer Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the packaging industry, traditional packaging features such as shape and color, while aesthetically appealing, have become less effective in capturing consumer attention due to increased competition.

Innovation Solution

The development of packages equipped with a control circuit that includes a power supply and an output mechanism, capable of producing a perceptible effect such as light, sound, display, scent, or motion, to enhance consumer engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional packaging features (shape and color) are used to capture consumer attention, then aesthetic appeal is achieved, but competitive advantage diminishes due to increased competition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer attentionVSAvoidcompetitive advantage
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging transitions from static aesthetic features to dynamic interactive features by incorporating output mechanisms (light, sound, display) that can change states based on consumer interaction, triggering events, or environmental conditions, making the packaging adaptable and continuously engaging rather than relying on fixed visual appeal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/aesthetic packaging features (shape, color) with electronic/optical/acoustic output mechanisms controlled by circuitry, sensors, and power supplies, enabling sophisticated interactive capabilities that go beyond static visual appeal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If packages are equipped with output mechanisms (light, sound, display) to enhance consumer engagement, then consumer attention increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer engagementVSAvoidpackage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple output mechanisms (light emitting diodes, sound emitting devices, display elements) and control circuitry directly into the packaging structure itself, combining the functions of container and communication device into a single unified system rather than adding separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the product, provides structural protection, and acts as a platform for electronic components, sensors, and output mechanisms, enabling the package to perform both containment and active consumer engagement functions

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If packages include power supply and control circuitry for output mechanisms, then interactive capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates power supply components, control circuitry, and output mechanisms into the packaging during the manufacturing process itself, pre-assembling the electronic subsystems and integrating them into the package structure before final product assembly, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow despite the added complexity of electronic components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3328753B1Product comprising a package comprising a power producer and an output mechanism, and related method
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 R J REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
  • EP3328753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3328753B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3328753B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A product (100) including a package (102) is provided. One or more tobacco-containing articles (112) may be received in the package. A power producer (120) may be configured to produce an electrical current. An output mechanism (122) may be configured to receive the electrical current from the power producer and output a perceptible effect. The perceptible effect may, for example, increase a consumer's interest in the product. A related method is also provided.