Nested Conical Cigar Shells with Supporting Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cigar smokers who prefer to use custom tobacco products face challenges in preserving the conical shape of empty cigar shells during packaging and filling, as existing solutions do not effectively maintain the shell's shape or simplify the filling process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving conically or frustoconically shaped supporting inserts that maintain the shape of cigar shells during packaging and filling, allowing for easy filling with custom tobacco material, using a push rod to compact the material within the shell while the insert supports the shell's shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If empty cigar shells are packaged without supporting inserts, then packaging simplicity is maintained, but the conical shape of the shells cannot be preserved during packaging and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting insert is placed inside the cigar shell, creating a nested configuration where the insert conforms to the internal geometry of the shell. This nested arrangement provides shape support while maintaining a compact packaging structure without requiring external rigid containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting insert acts as an intermediary element between the cigar shell and the packaging environment. It mediates the mechanical stresses and forces during packaging, storage, and handling, preventing deformation of the shell while allowing the packaging to remain relatively simple and flexible.
2Reliability
If traditional filling methods are used without supporting inserts, then the filling process is straightforward, but the shell shape deteriorates during filling causing inconsistent smoke quality
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting insert is pre-positioned inside the cigar shell before the filling process begins. This preliminary action establishes the correct geometric framework that will maintain shell integrity throughout filling, ensuring consistent smoke quality without requiring complex filling apparatus or post-filling adjustments.
3Shape
If multiple separate components are used for shape support, then shape preservation is improved, but the number of packaging and filling steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting insert is designed as a single integrated component that combines multiple functions: maintaining conical shape, facilitating nesting during packaging, and supporting the shell during filling. This merging of functions into one component eliminates the need for multiple separate operations, thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring shape preservation.
Data Source
AI summary
A product and method of making thereof for the consumption of smokable substances such as tobacco or herbs. The product is comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf materials and has a hollow conical shape that allows for the easy insertion of smokable substances. Additionally, the conical or frustoconical shape of the product provides for larger amounts of smokable substances in the end of the product the consumer lights, resulting in an initial slower prolonged burn and more even distribution of nicotine. Additionally, placement of a supporting insert into the interior of the product supports the conical shaped of the product when packaged along with supporting during the process of being filled.