Snus Container with Reconfigurable Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snus containers either underutilize their volume due to separate compartments for unused and used snus, or require larger dimensions to accommodate a disposal compartment, and may expose users to unpleasant odors or sights when accessing both types of snus simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A container with a reconfigurable wall made from resilient material that can deform to create a second compartment for used snus, allowing the user to adjust the volume distribution between the unused and used snus compartments without altering the total container volume, and a cover that attaches securely to the wall in various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate compartment for used snus is incorporated into the container, then the ability to store used snus is improved, but the volume available for unused snus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to be reconfigured by the user. The wall can be bent or folded to transform the container from having one large compartment to having two compartments (one for unused snus, one for used snus), or vice versa. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical space to serve different functions at different times, resolving the contradiction between storing used and unused snus.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into separable functional zones using a flexible partition wall that can create distinct compartments for unused and used snus when needed, while allowing the full volume to be used for unused snus when the partition is reconfigured or removed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the container is made larger to accommodate a separate compartment for used snus, then the storage capacity for used snus is improved, but the overall container dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible partition wall enables the container to dynamically adjust its internal configuration within its existing external dimensions. When the partition is reconfigured, it creates space for used snus without requiring the container itself to be larger, as the same internal volume is simply redistributed between compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall structure is nested within the existing container boundaries, allowing the creation of a second compartment without expanding the overall container size. The flexible wall effectively nests the used-snus storage space within the existing volume that would otherwise be used for unused snus.
3Ease of operation
If the lid provides access to both used and unused snus compartments, then the ease of access to snus is improved, but the user is exposed to unpleasant odors and sights
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure is segmented into separate access points or zones, allowing the user to open only the portion needed (either unused snus compartment or used snus compartment) rather than having to access both simultaneously. This segmentation of the lid opening mechanism enables selective access to different compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The access opening in the lid is extracted or separated into distinct openings for different compartments, or the lid can be configured to provide independent access to each compartment type, allowing users to minimize exposure to unpleasant odors by only opening what is necessary.
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 efficient use of container space by allowing the volume of the used snus compartment to expand as needed, maintaining a similar overall size and preventing exposure to odors or sights during snus retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
the wall is at least partially formed from a resilient material positionable in a selectable one of a plurality of stable positions, the wall being movable into one of said positions in response to the application of pressure thereto by deforming it beyond a predetermined point
Data Source
AI summary
A container for holding unused and used snus is disclosed. The container comprises a base defining a first compartment to receive unused snus. The base has a bottom wall which is reconfigurable to form a second compartment for holding used snus on the other side of said bottom wall. The first and second compartments are each provided with a separate cover.