Magnetic Closure for Hinge-Lid Pack Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinge-lid packs for elongated smoking articles face issues with contamination of adhesives leading to impaired flap functionality and increased loss of moisture, freshness, and aroma due to repeated opening and closing, which existing magnetic closure systems do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating magnetic means with a first magnetic material on the flap and a second magnetic material on the inner sealed block or inner frame for releasable closure, ensuring consistent and effective sealing without contamination from tobacco debris or dust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to fix the flap against the body of the inner sealed block, then the flap can be fixed to close the access opening, but the adhesive contaminates with tobacco debris and dust during repeated opening and closing cycles, leading to decreased stickiness and impaired function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive-based mechanical bonding system with a magnetic field-based closure system. Magnetic means are provided on both the flap and the body of the inner sealed block, enabling the flap to be securely closed through magnetic attraction without relying on adhesive. This eliminates the contamination problem entirely, as the magnetic closure does not involve any adhesive material that can be degraded by tobacco debris and dust.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force between the flap and the body of the inner sealed block. Instead of direct adhesive bonding, the magnetic field acts as a mediator that holds the flap in the closed position. This intermediary magnetic interaction is not susceptible to contamination by tobacco debris or dust, thereby maintaining reliable closure functionality over repeated use cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner sealed block is opened and closed multiple times to access smoking articles, then users can consume articles over time, but the adhesive closure becomes impaired leading to increased loss of moisture, freshness and aroma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the degradable adhesive mechanical system with a durable magnetic closure system that maintains consistent holding force over repeated opening and closing cycles. The magnetic means on the flap and body interact through magnetic attraction, which does not deteriorate with contamination from tobacco debris or dust. This ensures the sealing effectiveness remains reliable even after multiple access operations, preventing loss of moisture, freshness and aroma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates magnetic means in advance on both the flap and the body of the inner sealed block during manufacturing. This preliminary integration of magnetic closure mechanisms ensures that from the first use, the sealing effectiveness is maintained at a high level without relying on adhesive that would degrade over time. The pre-configured magnetic system is designed to withstand repeated cycling without loss of function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive is used to seal the flap, then the inner sealed block can be closed to protect content, but the adhesive stickiness decreases over time due to contamination, compromising the protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the time-limited adhesive bonding mechanism with a permanent magnetic field-based closure system. The magnetic means provide continuous holding force that does not diminish due to contamination from tobacco debris or dust. This ensures the protective sealing function maintains its effectiveness over an extended duration, matching the intended lifespan of the packaging without the degradation issues inherent in adhesive systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic means with sufficient magnetic strength to ensure reliable closure even under varying conditions. The magnetic attraction force is designed to be excessive enough to overcome any potential gaps or irregularities in the sealing interface, ensuring consistent protection against moisture and aroma loss throughout the product's shelf life and usage period.
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
The magnetic closure system maintains prolonged protection against moisture, freshness, and aroma loss by maintaining flap functionality even after repeated use, preventing contamination and ensuring secure sealing.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic means for releasable closure of the inner sealed block, wherein said magnetic means comprise a first magnetic material provided on the flap of the inner sealed block and a second magnetic material arranged on a site of the hinge-lid pack such that the first and second magnetic material at least partially overlap when the flap is in a closed configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a hinge-lid pack for elongated smoking articles comprising: an outer box (2) with a lid (3); an inner frame (4) contained within the box; an inner sealed block (5) encasing the elongates smoking articles, the inner sealed block being contained within the box, wherein the inner sealed block is formed from a flexible sheet material and comprises a flap (6) configured to close an access opening (7) in the inner sealed block; an inner board (8) contained within the inner sealed block to support the inner sealed block; and magnetic means (9, 10) for releasable closure of the inner sealed block, wherein said magnetic means comprise a first magnetic material (9) provided on the flap (6) of the inner sealed block and a second magnetic material (10) arranged on a site of the pack such that the first and second magnetic material at least partially overlap when the flap is in a closed configuration.