Slim Hand-Held Case with Nested Compartments for Smokable Herbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage cases for smokable herbs, such as dugouts, are not sufficiently portable due to their thickness, making them less convenient to carry compared to other everyday items like mobile phones.
Innovation Solution
A slim and sleek storage case design featuring a central compartment for smokable herbs, a spring-loaded pipe compartment, a tool compartment, and a filter screen compartment, all integrated into a single, easily portable unit with a magnetic seal and ergonomic design for one-handed use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional dugout design is used, then storage functionality is provided, but portability deteriorates due to thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the pipe compartment, tool compartment, and filter compartment inside or alongside the central herb storage compartment. The pipe compartment is nested within the case structure, the tool compartment is positioned laterally adjacent to the central compartment, and the filter compartment is integrated into the bottom lid, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall case thickness while maintaining all storage functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is segmented into distinct functional compartments: a central compartment for herbs, a pipe compartment, a tool compartment, and a filter compartment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for minimal thickness while maintaining its specific function, contributing to the overall portability of the case.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compartments are integrated, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed as a multi-functional unit where a single structure serves multiple purposes: the central compartment stores herbs, the pipe compartment holds and protects the pipe, the tool compartment stores packing tools, and the filter compartment stores filters. This universal design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate items into one integrated case, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple storage functions into a single integrated case structure. The pipe compartment, tool compartment, and filter compartment are combined with the central herb storage compartment in a unified design, allowing all components to be carried together in one thin case rather than requiring separate containers for each item.
3Length of moving object
If a thin design is implemented, then portability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case is constructed from composite materials that provide high strength-to-thickness ratio. The use of composite materials allows the case to maintain structural integrity and durability while achieving a thin profile that enhances portability, resolving the contradiction between thickness and strength.
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 case provides a compact, airtight, and waterproof solution that allows for easy handling and storage of smokable herbs, pipes, and tools, enhancing portability and usability while maintaining durability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic seal and ergonomic design for one-handed use
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held case is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the hand-held case comprises a central compartment defined by an outer wall, the central compartment sized to accept a smokable herb; a top lid comprising a cover for covering the central compartment, the top lid movable from a closed position to an open position; a bottom lid comprising a slidable cover for covering a bottom compartment; a tool compartment for storing a tool, the tool compartment disposed on a lateral side of the central compartment; and a pipe compartment for storing a pipe, the pipe compartment disposed on an opposite lateral side of the central compartment from the tool compartment.