Reclosable Inner Package with U-Shaped Parting Line for Cigarette Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sealed inner packages for cigarettes have small extraction openings, making it difficult to remove cigarettes, and existing solutions are complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A packet of cigarettes with a reclosable inner package featuring a lift-up portion separated by a U-shaped parting line, allowing for a large extraction opening and automatic opening/closing mechanism without additional elements, using a heat-sealable sheet and stiffener for ease of production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed inner package with a small extraction opening is used, then the organoleptic characteristics of the cigarette tobacco are preserved, but the extraction of cigarettes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inner package is segmented into two functional zones: a sealed portion that preserves tobacco organoleptic characteristics and an unsealed extraction opening that facilitates easy cigarette removal. The extraction opening is made sufficiently large to allow smooth cigarette extraction while the sealed portion maintains the protective atmosphere.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adhesive label with non-dry re-stick glue is used to cover the extraction opening, then the opening can be blocked in closed position multiple times, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner package flap is designed to automatically perform the sealing function through its own structure. When the packet is closed, the flap naturally folds over and adheres to the extraction opening using its inherent adhesive properties, eliminating the need for separate adhesive labels or complex reclosing mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the extraction opening is made large for easy cigarette removal, then the ease of operation improves, but the preservation of organoleptic characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inner package is divided into a sealed portion and an unsealed extraction opening. The sealed portion maintains the protective atmosphere and organoleptic characteristics, while the extraction opening is sufficiently large to allow easy cigarette removal. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
4Ease of operation
If a not sealed inner package with lift-up portion is used, then the extraction opening can be large for easy cigarette removal, but the preservation of organoleptic characteristics is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inner package combines sealed and unsealed portions, where the sealed portion preserves organoleptic characteristics and the unsealed extraction opening facilitates easy cigarette removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner package flap is designed to be dynamic, automatically opening when the outer packet is opened and automatically closing when the outer packet is closed. This dynamic behavior allows the flap to provide easy access during use while maintaining sealing when not in use.
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 solution provides a large, easy-to-use extraction opening and automatic reclosure, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the organoleptic characteristics of the tobacco, enhancing user experience and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a sealed inner package, which is formed by folding and heat-seal a sheet of waterproof packing material
Data Source
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AI summary
A packet (1) of smoking articles having: a cup-shaped outer container (2); a cup-shaped lid (4) hinged to the outer container (2) to rotate, with respect to the outer container (2) itself, between an open position and a closed position; a group (14) of articles; an inner package (3) which encloses the group (14) of articles, is housed inside the outer container (2), and at the top and front has a lift-up portion (15) separated from the rest of the inner package (3) by a pre-weakened U-shaped parting line (16) and is completely torn the first time the packet (1) of smoking articles is opened to expose an article extraction opening (17); the lift-up portion (15) of the inner package (3) is directly in contact, without the interposition of other elements with an inner surface of the top wall (10) of the lid (4) and with an inner surface of the front wall (11) of the lid (4).