Packaging Deformable Section Tamper Evidence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging systems for cigarettes face challenges in providing tamper evidence without additional outer wrapping materials, which complicates ensuring the package remains unopened and intact, while also aiming to save material and simplify manufacturing steps.

Innovation Solution

A packaging design featuring an outer packaging with a deformable section that requires pressure to break a fixed connection with the inner packaging, allowing the inner package to move longitudinally, thus creating a permanent tamper evidence through deformation and offset, eliminating the need for additional wrapping materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional outer wrapping material is used to provide tamper evidence, then the package integrity can be verified, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage integrity verificationVSAvoidpackaging structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tamper evidence function with the existing outer packaging lid by integrating a deformable section directly into the lid structure. This eliminates the need for separate outer wrapping materials while maintaining the ability to verify package integrity through visual inspection of the deformable section's state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable section serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the outer packaging lid and a tamper evidence indicator. When pressed, it permanently deforms to show that the package has been opened, combining packaging and security verification functions into a single element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional outer wrapping material is used to provide tamper evidence, then the package integrity can be verified, but material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage integrity verificationVSAvoidpackaging material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the tamper evidence function into the existing outer packaging lid structure, eliminating the need for additional outer wrapping materials. The deformable section is formed from the same material as the lid, reducing overall material consumption while maintaining verification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the inner packaging is fixed to the outer packaging lid, then the package remains intact during transportation, but accessing the articles requires opening the entire package

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage stability during transportVSAvoidpackage opening convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the opening process into two independent actions: first pressing the deformable section to break the seal, then opening the lid. This allows the package to remain securely closed during transport while enabling convenient two-step access - the deformable section breaks the fixed connection without requiring the lid to be opened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable section performs a preliminary action by breaking the fixed connection between inner and outer packaging before the lid is opened. This preliminary breaking of the seal simplifies the subsequent opening process and provides visual confirmation that the package has been properly accessed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a deformable section is added to the outer packaging lid, then tamper evidence is provided without additional materials, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper evidence capabilityVSAvoiddeformable section formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the material properties during forming - specifically creating a deformable section with modified density or structural characteristics that allow it to be compressed and permanently deformed. This can be achieved through variations in molding pressure, material composition, or structural geometry during the existing packaging manufacturing process, without requiring additional manufacturing steps.

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

This design ensures tamper evidence without additional materials, simplifies manufacturing, and maintains the integrity of the packaging during transportation and use, while allowing the inner package to move within the outer package without opening it.

Implementation Method 1

At least one face of the outer packaging lid comprises a deformable section such that the first opening of the packaging requires a pressure to be applied upon said deformable section so as to break said first connection between the inner packaging and the inner surface of the outer packaging lid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3953270B1Packaging with top release button
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 JT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP3953270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3953270B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a packaging (1) for housing a plurality of articles comprising an outer packaging (2) and an inner packaging (3), wherein the inner packaging is moveable in a longitudinal direction in relation to the outer packaging. The outer packaging, made of a first packaging material, is at least partially housing the inner packaging. The inner packaging for housing the articles is made of a second packaging material. In a closed state of the packaging before the first opening thereof the inner packaging is fixedly attached via a first connection to an inner surface of the outer packaging lid. At least one face of the outer packaging lid comprises a deformable section (6) such that the first opening of the packaging requires a pressure to be applied upon said deformable section so as to break said first connection between the inner packaging and the inner surface of the outer packaging lid. After breaking the first connection, the inner packaging is arranged to be moveable in a longitudinal direction in relation to the outer packaging.