Hinged-Lid Slide-Open Package Sealing Flap Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid, hinged-lid, slide-open packets of cigarettes tend to spill tobacco powder when turned upside down due to an ineffective sealing flap that does not automatically return to the work position when the inner container is pushed back into the outer container.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a mechanical interaction between actuating tabs on the inner and outer containers, where the first actuating tab engages the second actuating tab to draw the sealing flap into the work position as the inner container moves into the closed configuration, ensuring it always returns to the correct position automatically and prevents tobacco powder spill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing flap is added to prevent tobacco powder spill, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flap is designed to be automatically actuated by the sliding motion of the inner container itself. When the inner container slides into the outer container, its movement directly drives the sealing flap to rotate into the sealing position through the connecting tab mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuation systems or user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is integrated into the existing sliding mechanism of the packet. The sealing flap is connected to the inner container via a connecting tab that utilizes the same sliding motion to both open/close the container and activate the sealing flap, combining two functions into one mechanical action.
2Reliability
If a sealing flap with automatic return mechanism is implemented, then sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flap automatically returns to its sealing position whenever the inner container is pushed into the outer container. The connecting tab mechanism converts the sliding motion into rotational motion of the sealing flap, ensuring it self-corrects to the proper position without requiring manual adjustment or complex spring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing flap is designed as a movable element that dynamically responds to the position of the inner container. As the inner container slides, the connecting tab rotates the sealing flap between two stable positions: the sealing position when closed and the open position when opened, creating a dynamic system that adapts to container movement.
3Reliability
If the sealing flap is positioned to prevent tobacco powder spill, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but it interferes with the movement of the inner container
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flap is designed to be dynamic rather than static, rotating between a sealing position (when inner container is closed) and an open position (when inner container is extracted). This dynamic behavior ensures the flap only obstructs the gap when needed for sealing, and moves out of the way during opening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing flap is positioned in advance to seal the gap between the front edge of the top wall of the inner container lid and the opposite top edge of the front wall of the outer container before any tobacco powder spill can occur, while its hinged connection allows it to move out of the way when the inner container needs to be extracted.
Data Source
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AI summary
A package (1) of tobacco articles, having: an inner container (3), which houses a group (2) of tobacco articles, has an open top end (5), and has a lid (6) hinged to close the open top end (5); an outer container (4) housing the inner container (3) to allow the inner container (3) to slide with respect to the outer container (4) between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and a sealing flap (22) hinged to a top edge of a front wall (17) of the outer container (4) and movable between a work position, in which the sealing flap (22) is perpendicular to the front wall (17) of the outer container (4) and located beneath a top wall (12) of the lid (6) of the inner container (3), and a rest position, in which the sealing flap (22) is parallel to the front wall (17) of the outer container (4).