Rigid Cigarette Pack With Hinged Sliding Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rigid packs of cigarettes with hinged lids are not child-proof, as they can be easily opened by children due to their intuitive opening mechanism, which does not require specific force or non-intuitive movements.
Innovation Solution
A rigid pack of cigarettes with a hinged and sliding lid that incorporates a locking system, where the lid performs a roto-translation movement and is secured by a slider and collar design, requiring a specific sequence of movements, including pressure on a button, to open the pack, making it difficult for children to access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple hinged lid is used, then the pack is easy to manufacture and use, but it is not child-proof
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions from a static hinged connection to a dynamic roto-translation mechanism that combines rotation and translation movements. This dynamic system requires coordinated movements (pushing while rotating) that are not intuitive for children, thereby achieving child-proof capability while maintaining operational simplicity for adults
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the lid, the slider, and the collar. The slider and collar work together as a coordinated system where the slider moves along the collar's groove, creating a multi-step opening sequence that prevents child access while remaining easy to operate for adults
2Reliability
If a roto-translation mechanism is added to make it child-proof, then child safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge function with a sliding mechanism, combining rotation and translation movements into a single integrated lid assembly. The slider is firmly connected to the lid and slides along the collar, merging two movement types into one coordinated action that achieves child-proof capability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the slider's movement through its groove, and enables the roto-translation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving child-proof capability
3Reliability
If a slider and collar locking system is implemented, then child-proof capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking functionality is concentrated in specific localized areas: the groove on the collar and the corresponding slider surface. This localized design allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without requiring complete redesign of the entire pack structure, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A pack of smoking articles having: a container; an inner wrap enclosing a group of smoking articles housed in the container; a hinged lid movable between open and closed positions; a collar glued on the inside of the container so as to partially project out of an open top end and engage a corresponding inner surface of the lid when the lid is in a closed position; a slider firmly connected to the lid and coupled in a sliding manner to the container so as to slide relative to the container; and a locking system interposed between the container and the slider and, in the closed position of the lid, prevents the slider from sliding relative to the container. The hindering of the slider can be deactivated by external action of the user who elastically deforms at least part of the front wall of the container.