Rigid Cigarette Package Stiffener for Complete Lid Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigid packages of cigarettes require changes in container and lid dimensions to accommodate non-standard sized cigarettes, leading to incomplete closure due to the lid moving away from the closed position.
Innovation Solution
A rigid package design with a stiffening element inside the wrapping that holds the cigarettes and ensures complete closure without altering the container and lid dimensions, using a heat-sealable material with a concave or convex shape to create interference with the container and lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wrapping does not occupy the entire volume of the container, then it is possible to package non-standard sized cigarettes, but the lid tends to move away from the closed position leaving the package partially open
Solution Approach 1:
A stiffening element is introduced as an intermediary component between the wrapping and the lid. This element has a free end that protrudes from the wrapping and engages with the inner surface of the lid, acting as a mediator that transmits the closing force and maintains the lid in the closed position even when the wrapping does not occupy the entire container volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the wrapping that contains the cigarettes, the stiffening element that provides structural support and engagement, and the lid that closes the container. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the stiffening element to compensate for volume differences.
2Reliability
If a collar is used to ensure optimal closure, then the lid closes properly, but the structure becomes more complex requiring additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening element merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support to the wrapping, creates the necessary engagement protrusion, and directly interacts with the lid to ensure closure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate collar components while maintaining closure reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening element serves multiple purposes: it reinforces the wrapping structure, positions the cigarettes centrally, and provides the engagement mechanism for closure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while achieving the same closure reliability as a collar-based system.
3Reliability
If the wrapping occupies the entire volume of the container, then the lid closes properly, but it is impossible to package cigarettes with different dimensions using the same container
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening element provides localized structural support and volume compensation at the specific location where closure engagement is needed, rather than requiring the entire wrapping to occupy full container volume. This localized approach allows the wrapping to be sized for specific cigarette dimensions while the stiffening element compensates for the volume difference to ensure proper closure.
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
Enables packaging of non-standard sized cigarettes without changing the container and lid dimensions, ensuring a secure closure by maintaining interference between the wrapping, container, and lid.
Implementation Method 1
a stiffening element (6), arranged inside the wrapping (3) so as to partially wrap the group of smoking articles (2), wherein the stiffening element (6) comprises: a front wall (60)... a pair of side walls (61)... and a pair of connecting walls (62)
Implementation Method 2
a wrapping (3) which wraps the group of smoking articles (2), wherein the wrapping (3) comprises: a front wall (30)... a rear wall (31)... two side walls (32)... wherein the group of smoking articles (2) has a width L2 and/or a thickness W2 smaller than the width L1 and/or the thickness W1 of the wrapping (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Rigid package (1) of smoking articles comprising: a group (2) of articles; a wrapping (3) which wraps the group (2) of smoking articles; a container (4) which contains the wrapping (3) and has an opening (45) from which the wrapping (3) protrudes; a lid (5) which is hinged to the container (4) and is movable to open and close the opening (45) of the container (4); a stiffening element (6) which is arranged inside the wrapping (3) and has a front wall (60) arranged between a front wall (30) of the wrapping (3) and a front face (20) of the group (2) of articles; a pair of side walls (61) arranged between side walls (32) of the wrapping (3) and lateral faces (22) of the group (2) of articles, respectively. The group (2) of smoking articles has a width (L2) and/or thickness (W2) smaller than the width (l1) and/or thickness (W1) of the wrapping (3). The stiffening element (6) has a pair of connecting walls (62) each connected to the front wall (60) at a first weakening line (7) and to the side wall (61) at a second weakening line (8). At least one between the first weakening line (7) and the second weakening line (8) has at least one curved portion (7a, 8a).