Rotatable Filter Cigarette Ventilation Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter cigarettes lack a clear and simple indication of the selected strength level when varying ventilation, leading to user uncertainty about the cigarette's strength during smoking.

Innovation Solution

A filter cigarette design featuring a rotatable mouthpiece with a first scale around the rotatable element and a second scale around the fixed element, allowing users to visually determine the selected strength level through the alignment of markers on these scales, providing clear and understandable ventilation adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable mouthpiece with scales is provided to allow users to vary and indicate ventilation level, then users can adjust cigarette strength, but the indication system becomes complex and difficult to understand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecigarette strength adjustmentVSAvoidindication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indication system is segmented into two separate scales: a first scale on the rotatable mouthpiece and a second scale on the fixed filter body. Each scale has its own marker, and the relative rotation between the two scales provides the indication. This segmentation simplifies the design compared to a single complex scale system, as each scale can be independently designed and positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The relative rotation between the rotatable mouthpiece and fixed filter body serves as an intermediary mechanism that translates ventilation adjustment into a visual indication. The markers on the two scales act as intermediaries that provide clear visual feedback to the user about the selected strength level without requiring complex electronics or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If scales with markers are provided on both rotatable and fixed elements, then clear indication of strength level is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength level indication clarityVSAvoidscale and marker alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing relative rotation between the rotatable mouthpiece and fixed filter body to automatically bring the markers into alignment. The user's own rotation action serves to both adjust the ventilation and position the markers for indication. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment systems or additional actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The markers on the two scales can be designed with contrasting colors or visual characteristics that make them easily distinguishable and readable. This visual enhancement helps users quickly identify the alignment position and understand the selected strength level without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If the mouthpiece is made rotatable to vary ventilation, then user control over cigarette strength is enabled, but the structural complexity of the filter cigarette increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation controlVSAvoidfilter cigarette structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable mouthpiece is merged with the first scale, and the fixed filter body contains the second scale. These two functional elements (ventilation control and indication) are combined into a single integrated structure rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the overall structural complexity compared to having independent control mechanisms and indication systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable mouthpiece serves multiple functions: it controls the ventilation by rotating to align perforations, and it simultaneously provides the visual indication through its scale and marker. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control and indication mechanisms, thereby reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2967132B1Filter cigarette with variable ventilation

Publication Date: 2017.05.03 JT INTERNATIONAL SA

Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4E

AI summary

A filter cigarette (1) comprises a rod of smokable material (2), and a mouth piece (3) attached to the rod (2), the mouth piece (3) comprising an element (5) rotatable with respect to the rest of the filter cigarette (1) about the longitudinal axis thereof such that a user can vary the ventilation of the filter cigarette (1) and a fixed element (6) that is fixed relative to the rod (2). There is also a strength indicator comprising a first scale (20) extending circumferentially around the periphery of the rotatable element (5), and a second scale (21) extending circumferentially around the fixed element (6), wherein each scale comprises a single marker formed by a line having its extremities intersecting a separation line (12) between the rotatable element (5) and the rest of the cigarette (1).