Pocket Packet With Rigid Internal Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pocket-sized packets with sliding openings, such as shell & slide packets, require long preparation times, are easily deformable, and have a structurally weak internal container, leading to potential damage of contents, especially smoking articles.
Innovation Solution
A pocket-sized packet design featuring an internal container made from a single flat shaped component with overlapping lateral tabs forming a robust rear wall, a lid hinged to these tabs, and an external sheath, allowing for automated production and enhanced rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional shell & slide packets are used with separate blanks for internal container and external sheath, then the packet can be manufactured, but the preparation time becomes long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of the internal container and external sheath into a single blank structure. The blank includes an internal container portion and an external sheath portion that are formed simultaneously from one piece of material, eliminating the need to prepare and feed two separate blanks to the packaging machine, thus reducing preparation time and increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The single blank is segmented into distinct functional portions: an internal container portion with walls and a bottom, and an external sheath portion with walls and an opening. This segmentation allows each portion to be formed in its specific configuration while being processed as one unified structure, enabling automated production with high speed
2Ease of operation
If the external sheath is made without upper and lower walls to enable sliding mechanism, then the packet can be opened by sliding, but the packet becomes easily deformable and structurally weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural reinforcement function into the external sheath portion by providing upper and lower walls that are continuous with the side walls. This creates a fully enclosed, robust external sheath structure that maintains its shape and protects the internal container while still allowing the sliding opening mechanism to function
Solution Approach 2:
The external sheath portion is formed as a composite structure with multiple walls (front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower) that work together to provide structural integrity. The continuous walls create a rigid framework that prevents deformation when the packet is kept in pockets, bags, or backpacks, or when dropped
3Ease of manufacture
If the internal container structure is made simple for easy manufacturing, then production is easier, but the internal container becomes easily deformable and may damage contents
Solution Approach 1:
The internal container portion of the blank is segmented into multiple walls (front, rear, left, right) that are formed as distinct panels. These segmented walls are then joined together to create a robust, multi-panel structure that maintains its shape and protects contents while being manufacturable using standard packaging machine processes
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 3~10
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The pocket-sized packet (10) comprises an external sheath (11) and an internal container (12) which is configured to contain products (A) and is able to be extracted sliding with respect to the external sheath (11). The internal container (12) defines a first housing (21) configured to receive the products (A) and a pick- up aperture (22) through which a user can access the housing (21), the pick-up aperture (22) can be closed by a lid (26).