Multipack Removal Opening With Pendulum Pack Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions for bundles of cigarette packs, particularly those with multiple stacks, make it difficult to remove individual packs without damaging the packaging or causing adjacent packs to interfere with the removal process.

Innovation Solution

A packaging unit with an outer cover featuring a pendulum-like holding device between two stacks, which alternately blocks packs from entering the removal opening, allowing easy access to individual packs without destroying the container, and can be implemented in both disposable and refillable formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If packs are arranged in multiple stacks within a bundle, then the packaging capacity is improved, but the ease of removing individual packs deteriorates due to interference between adjacent stacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging capacityVSAvoidease of removing individual packs
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bundle is divided into multiple independent stacks of packs, with each stack being separately accessible through the removal opening. The partition wall segments the internal space to prevent interference between stacks while maintaining individual access to each pack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A holding device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the packs and the removal opening. It temporarily holds packs in position and controls their movement, preventing packs from adjacent stacks from interfering with the removal process while allowing sequential access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If packs are placed directly next to each other in stacks, then the compactness is improved, but the accessibility of individual packs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidaccessibility of individual packs
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device operates in a temporal dimension, sequentially controlling access to packs from different stacks over time. This allows compact spatial arrangement while maintaining accessibility through time-based control of pack movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device automatically responds to pack removal actions by preventing interference from adjacent stacks. The system self-regulates the interaction between packs from different stacks without requiring additional manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a removal opening is provided in the outer cover, then the ease of accessing packs is improved, but the structural integrity of the packaging deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessing packsVSAvoidstructural integrity of packaging
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed as a dynamic component that can move and adjust its position. It pivots between different operational states to control pack movement, allowing the packaging to maintain structural integrity while enabling easy pack access through controlled motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device changes its positional parameter by pivoting about a pivot axis. This movement transforms the device between blocking and non-blocking positions, enabling easy pack removal while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the outer cover.

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

Enables easy and efficient removal of individual packs from bundles with multiple stacks without damaging the packaging, ensuring smooth access and preventing pack interference during the removal process.

Implementation Method 1

a pendulum mechanism that is arranged between two pack stacks and prevents a pack row from slipping down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2114797B1Multipack with removal aid, in particular for cigarette packs
Publication Date: 2010.06.02 BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (GERMANY) GMBH
  • EP2114797B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2114797B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multipack comprising at least two stacks (1, 3) of packs, in particular cigarette packs (5), lying next to each other, and comprising an outer wrapping, which reaches around the stacks (1, 3), wherein a removal opening (47) is provided or can be produced in the region of an end face of the multipack and wherein a holding device (11) is provided between two stacks on the end face that has the removal opening (47) and acts in an adjustable manner on one or the other stack, thereby preventing the packs of the latter from advancing into the region of the removal opening (47).