Sliding Cover Opening Device for Cigarette Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cover opening devices for cigarette cases, primarily relying on button switches and rotating springs, lack durability and do not provide a satisfying sliding mechanism for opening, which can be cumbersome and less user-friendly compared to sliding-cover devices used in other applications.

Innovation Solution

A sliding cover-opening device featuring a top support with sliding grooves, a cylindrical spring cap, a cover pushing spring, and a rotatable pushing cover with a rotating torsional spring, allowing for a 90-degree automatic rotation and enhanced durability through a sliding-resistant mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a button switch and rotating spring mechanism is used for cover opening, then the device structure is simple, but the durability is poor and user experience is unsatisfying

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover opening device is segmented into multiple functional components: a button switch assembly, a rotating spring mechanism, and a sliding-resistant device with cylindrical spring cap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall durability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotating spring that can twist and store energy, and a sliding-resistant device that allows controlled movement. These dynamic components enhance the durability and user experience by providing smooth, reliable operation over extended use periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a traditional button switch mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the sliding mechanism is lacking and operation is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-friendlinessVSAvoidsliding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the button switch function with a sliding-resistant mechanism. The button switch is integrated with a cylindrical spring cap that slides within the top support, combining two functions into one unified structure. This provides a smooth sliding action that enhances ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical spring cap acts as an intermediary element between the button switch and the cover. It provides a sliding surface that mediates the force application, making the opening action smoother and more user-friendly while adding controlled complexity to the mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cover rotation angle is limited, then the device structure is simple, but the rotation angle is not maximized and functionality is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angleVSAvoidrotation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating spring is pre-loaded in a compressed state when the cover is closed. This preliminary action stores energy that is released during opening, enabling the cover to rotate through a larger angle (up to 90 degrees or more) without requiring additional complex mechanisms during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 sliding cover-opening device provides a durable and user-friendly mechanism for opening the cigarette case cover to 90 degrees, offering a sliding experience and maximizing the rotation angle, while maintaining a secure closed state.

Implementation Method 1

a cover pushing spring (1) located inside the cylindrical spring cap (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a rotating torsional spring (2), a main body of the torsional spring is wound on a cylinder body of a fixed support (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3530128B1Sliding cover opening device
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 CHINA TOBACCO YUNNAN IND
  • EP3530128B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3530128B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3530128B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A sliding cover-opening device includes a top support (3), a sliding-resistant device, and a rotatable cover opening device. The rotatable cover opening device further includes a rotatable pushing cover (7) and a rotating torsional spring (2). According to the sliding cover-opening device, the rotatable pushing cover (7) can automatically rotate to 90 degrees to open completely after sliding over a certain distance. Also, with the sliding-resistant device, users can experience a sliding feeling by hands.