Snus Container Segmented Compartments Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional containers for smokeless tobacco products like snus lack compartments to store different types of snus separately, leading to cross-contamination and reduced freshness due to exposure when the lid is removed.

Innovation Solution

A container with a base and cover featuring multiple compartments, where some compartments have lids for isolation, and a central compartment without a lid, allowing for separate storage and preservation of different types of snus, with lids hingedly mounted to maintain airtightness and prevent mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single compartment container is used, then the device complexity is low, but cross-contamination occurs between different snus types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidcross-contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple separate compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) that are isolated from each other by dividing walls. Each compartment can store different types of snus without mixing, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lid is removed to access snus, then the ease of operation is improved, but the freshness is reduced due to exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to snusVSAvoidfreshness retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Individual compartments have separate lids that can be opened independently. When one compartment is accessed, the other compartments remain sealed and protected, maintaining freshness of the remaining snus portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of removing the entire lid to access any snus, only the specific compartment lid needed is opened. This partial action minimizes exposure of the remaining snus to air and maintains freshness while providing easy access to the desired portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple compartments are added to store different snus types, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage of different snus typesVSAvoidcontainer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple separate compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) that are isolated from each other by dividing walls. Each compartment can store different types of snus without mixing, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container design with multiple compartments and a cover provides versatile functionality - it can store different types of snus, maintain freshness through selective access, and prevent cross-contamination. The same structural elements (dividing walls, lids, cover) serve multiple functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If all compartments are exposed when the lid is removed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to drying out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to snusVSAvoidmoisture loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Individual compartments have separate lids that can be opened independently. When one compartment is accessed, the other compartments remain sealed and protected, maintaining freshness of the remaining snus portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of removing the entire lid to access any snus, only the specific compartment lid needed is opened. This partial action minimizes exposure of the remaining snus to air and maintains freshness while providing easy access to the desired portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2210508B1Snus container
Publication Date: 2014.08.06 BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LTD
  • EP2210508B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2210508B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2210508B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A snus container comprising a base defining a space having a plurality of compartments is disclosed. At least one of the compartments has a lid to isolate it from the remaining compartments. A cover is releasably attachable to the base to extend over all the compartments and close the container.