Smoking Article Pack Inner Frame Bevelled Edges Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packs for smoking articles lack sufficient rigidity and protection when the lid is closed, potentially leading to accidental opening or damage during transport.

Innovation Solution

The pack features an inner frame with bevelled edges that connect its side portions, creating gaps between the container's curved edges and the inner frame, which enhances rigidity and prevents accidental opening when the lid is closed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the inner frame is designed with straight edges connecting side portions to container panels, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the rigidity and protection against accidental opening are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidinner frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner frame is segmented into multiple portions (front portion, first side portion with first and second parts, second side portion with first and second parts) connected by bevelled edges. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing enhanced rigidity and protection against accidental opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner frame employs asymmetric geometry with bevelled edges connecting different portions at specific angles rather than straight edges. The bevelled edges create gaps between the container's curved edges and the inner frame, forming a mechanical interlock that prevents accidental opening while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the inner frame free ends are positioned close to the container side panels, then the material usage is reduced, but the protection against accidental opening is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against accidental openingVSAvoidinner frame material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bevelled edges act as intermediary elements between the inner frame and the container's curved edges. These bevelled edges create controlled gaps that allow the lid to close properly while preventing the inner frame from accidentally disengaging, thus providing protection without requiring excessive material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the lid is designed to fully block the opening when closed, then the protection is maximized, but the ease of access when open is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection when closedVSAvoidaccess when open
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be fully closed for protection or fully opened for easy access. The bevelled edges of the inner frame facilitate this by creating gaps that guide the lid's movement and ensure proper engagement in the closed position while allowing complete opening when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3356257B1Pack for smoking articles
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LTD
  • EP3356257B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3356257B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3356257B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a pack (1) for smoking articles, the pack comprising: a container (100) having front, rear, first side and second side panels (110, 150, 130, 170) and curved edges (120, 140, 160, 180) connecting the front, rear, first side and second side panels (110, 150, 130, 170), the container (100) defining a chamber (104) for storing smoking articles and an opening (106) through which smoking articles are removable from the chamber (104); an inner frame (200) projecting through the opening (106) from within the chamber (104), the inner frame (200) having a front portion (210) and first and second side portions (230, 250) extending from first and second sides of the front portion to respective free ends (280, 290) of the inner frame (200), wherein the free ends (280, 290) of the inner frame (200) are spaced apart from the first and second side panels (130, 170) of the container (100) and abut the rear panel (150) of the container (100); and a lid (300) having front, rear, first side and second side panels (310, 350, 330, 370) and curved edges (320, 340, 360, 380) connecting the front, rear, first side and second side panels (310, 350, 330, 370) of the lid (300), the lid (300) defining a cavity (304). The rear panel (350) of the lid (300) is hinged to the rear panel (150) of the container (100) so that the lid (300) is movable relative to the container (100) between a closed position, at which the lid (300) blocks the opening (106) with the inner frame (200) projecting into the cavity (304) of the lid (300), and an open position, at which the lid (300) does not block the opening (106).