Receptacle Accessory With Odor-Minimizing Storage for Used Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a convenient and responsible manner to store used aerosol-generating articles, such as heat-not-burn articles, within their packaging to facilitate recycling and reduce unwanted odors during transport.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle accessory that fits onto the package, comprising a cap portion to retain the lid and a compartment for used articles, with features like non-slip surfaces, ridges for secure storage, and a deodorizing medium to minimize odors, allowing temporary storage until disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a receptacle accessory is added to the package to store used articles, then storage functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the closure for the package and the receptacle for storing used articles. By integrating the storage function into the cap structure, the invention adds versatility without requiring a completely separate storage device, thus improving adaptability while limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment for storing used articles is nested within the cap portion structure. This nesting approach allows the storage function to be incorporated into the existing package closure, adding functionality while maintaining a compact form factor and minimizing the increase in device complexity.
2Reliability
If the cap portion is designed to securely retain the lid, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap portion is designed to be movable relative to the lid, allowing it to pivot when the lid is opened. This dynamic design enables the cap to maintain a secure interference fit with the lid in the closed position for reliable retention, while simultaneously allowing easy movement when opening, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap portion is pre-configured with an interference fit design that automatically engages with the lid when closed, providing reliable retention without requiring additional fastening actions. The preliminary positioning of the cap ensures secure lid retention while maintaining simplicity for the opening operation.
3Reliability
If the compartment is designed to retain used articles, then storage security is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in removing articles
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment is designed with a segmented structure featuring multiple ridges that create individual slots for storing articles. This segmentation provides secure retention for each article while allowing them to be individually accessed and removed, thus improving storage security without significantly compromising ease of operation.
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
The receptacle accessory provides secure, odor-minimizing storage for used articles, enabling easy transport and recycling, while maintaining package integrity and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a cap portion configured to receive and releasably retain the lid portion of the package by an interference fit
Implementation Method 2
A non-slip surface coating may be a coating having a friction coefficient higher than a friction coefficient of an exterior surface of the receptacle accessory
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle accessory for fitting on a package for consumer goods is provided, the package having a body portion and a lid portion hingedly attached to the body portion, the receptacle accessory including: a cap portion configured to receive and releasably retain the lid portion of the package by an interference fit, the cap portion including a front wall, a rear wall, and a lateral top wall connecting the front wall and the rear wall; and a compartment configured to receive and retain used consumer goods, the compartment being disposed on a face of the front wall facing away from the rear wall. There is also provided a system including a package for consumer goods having a body portion and a lid portion hingedly attached to the body portion along a hinge line, and the receptacle accessory.