Reconfigurable Polygon Wall Snus Container

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snus containers face challenges in efficiently utilizing space due to separate compartments for unused and used snus, with movable walls being cumbersome and inconvenient for users, and the shape of the second compartment not facilitating easy removal of used snus.

Innovation Solution

A container with a reconfigurable wall formed of contiguous polygons that can move from a convex to a concave configuration under applied pressure, allowing for efficient use of space and easy access to the second compartment for used snus, with the polygons being arranged to maximize volume in either configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a movable wall is provided to form a second compartment for storing used snus, then the container can store both unused and used snus, but the movable wall arrangement becomes cumbersome and inconvenient for the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompartment configuration flexibilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall is designed as a dynamic structure made of contiguous polygons that can change configuration from convex to concave. This allows the wall to be easily reconfigured by the user to create or enlarge the second compartment when needed, and then return to its original position, providing adaptability without cumbersome operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall changes its geometric parameters by transforming between convex and concave configurations. This parameter change allows the same physical wall to create different compartment arrangements, enabling the user to adjust the container configuration simply by changing the wall's shape rather than moving it physically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of stationary object

If a movable wall is used to create a second compartment, then space can be utilized efficiently, but the shape of the formed second compartment does not facilitate easy removal of used snus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer space utilizationVSAvoidsnus removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall dynamically changes to a concave configuration that creates a second compartment with favorable geometry. The concave shape naturally facilitates easy removal of used snus by creating accessible contours, while still maximizing the volume available for storing both unused and used snus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall adopts an asymmetric concave configuration when forming the second compartment, rather than a symmetric or flat design. This asymmetric shape creates ergonomic features that make it easier to access and remove used snus from the compartment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If the container is made larger to provide an empty separate compartment for receiving used snus, then the second compartment can be formed, but the container size exceeds normal dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompartment separation capabilityVSAvoidcontainer size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall dynamically reconfigures to create the second compartment within the existing container volume, eliminating the need to increase overall container size. The same space can accommodate both compartments through the wall's shape transformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall utilizes three-dimensional space by changing its spatial configuration from convex to concave. This dimensional transformation allows the creation of a separate second compartment within the existing container volume rather than requiring additional external space

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

Data Source

PatentEP3587296B1container
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 FIEDLER & LUNDGREN AB
  • EP3587296B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3587296B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3587296B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

A container comprises a base (2) and a lid (3) defining a first compartment (42) therebetween, wherein at least the lid or the base includes a reconfigurable wall (34) to enable a user to form or enlarge a second compartment (44) on the other side of said wall to the first compartment. The reconfigurable wall is formed of contiguous polygons (46,48) configured to move relative to a boundary of the reconfigurable wall and relative to each other under applied pressure so as to be arrangeable in a first, convex configuration and arrangeable in a second, concave configuration. The second compartment is formed or enlarged when the contiguous polygons are arranged in the second, concave configuration. Figures 5A & 5B