Lifting Mechanism for Consumer Goods Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for consumer goods, such as elongate smoking articles, often make it difficult for consumers to access the inner contents due to the complexity of pivoting the inner box relative to the outer box, requiring simultaneous handling of both parts for opening.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a lifting mechanism that articulates the inner portion relative to the outer portion, allowing easy access by lifting the inner portion from the top side adjacent the lid hinge line, with the inner portion hinging along a bottom side of the container, facilitated by a lifting element that moves the inner portion back wall away from the outer portion back wall as the lid opens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner box is hinged at one end with respect to the outer box, then the inner box can be pivoted upwards to allow access to consumer goods, but it becomes difficult for the consumer to simultaneously hold the outer box, grasp and lift the inner box and remove consumer goods
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism combines the outer box and inner box into a single operational unit. When the lid is opened, the lifting mechanism automatically articulates the inner box upward, allowing the consumer to access goods without needing to separately handle both boxes. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by making the system easier to operate while maintaining the nested structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism performs the preliminary action of articulating the inner box upward automatically when the lid is opened. This eliminates the need for the consumer to manually grasp and lift the inner box separately, as the lifting action has already been initiated by the lid opening motion. The consumer goods become accessible before the consumer needs to reach for them.
2Ease of operation
If a lifting mechanism is added to automatically articulate the inner portion, then access to consumer goods becomes easier, but the construction and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: the lifting element attached to the lid, the articulation hinge, and the inner box portion. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while still providing the automatic lifting function. The lifting element can be produced as a separate piece that connects to the existing box structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting element acts as an intermediary component between the lid and the inner box. It transfers the motion from the lid opening to the inner box articulation, providing a mechanical linkage that is simple in design but effective in function. This intermediary mechanism uses basic mechanical elements (hinges, linkages) that are easy to manufacture and assemble, rather than requiring complex automated systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container for consumer goods comprises an inner portion received within an outer box portion and a lifting mechanism that facilitates easy access to consumer goods received on or within the inner portion. The lifting mechanism connects the back wall of the inner portion to the lid portion top wall or lid portion front wall. The consumer goods, such as smoking articles, are longitudinally orthogonal to the hinge line.