Tamper-Evident Display Package for Cartomizer Blister Pack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display packages for cartomizer blister packs are vulnerable to tampering and external factors, and current manufacturing methods are not optimized for high-speed production, which can affect the quality and integrity of the packaged cartomizer features such as smell and taste.

Innovation Solution

The development of tamper-evident blanks for display packages that can be efficiently formed using high-speed equipment, featuring specific fold lines and cut lines to create a secure and tamper-indicative structure, allowing for the simultaneous folding and gluing of the blanks while placing a cartomizer blister pack inside, using materials like cardboard, paperboard, plastic, or metal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional display packages are used for cartomizer blister packs, then manufacturing can be performed using existing equipment, but the packages are vulnerable to tampering and cannot detect accidental opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper detection capabilityVSAvoidpackage structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display package is divided into multiple functional panels (front panel, back panel, side panels, bottom panel) connected by fold lines, with distinct glue panels for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to serve a specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and tamper detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blank is pre-configured with fold lines and glue panels during manufacturing, so that when assembled, it automatically provides tamper detection functionality. The structure is designed in advance to show visible signs of opening, eliminating the need for additional tamper detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If high-speed manufacturing equipment is used to produce display packages, then productivity increases, but the quality and integrity of cartomizer features (smell and taste) may be compromised due to package vulnerability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidcartomizer feature integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display package maintains continuous sealing through the glue panels that bond the panels together. This continuous seal protects the cartomizer features throughout the high-speed manufacturing process, preventing exposure to external factors while allowing rapid production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The display package uses a disposable blank structure that is easily manufactured and assembled. Once opened, the tamper-evident features indicate the package should be discarded, ensuring cartomizer feature integrity without requiring expensive reusable or complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a complex tamper-evident structure is implemented in the display package, then tamper detection capability improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper evidence capabilityVSAvoidblank fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The structural framework and tamper detection features are merged into a single integrated blank design. The fold lines and glue panels serve both structural assembly purposes and tamper detection functions, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The panels and fold lines in the blank serve multiple functions: structural support, assembly guidance, and tamper detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining robust tamper evidence capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If multiple panels and glue panels are connected with fold lines to create a secure structure, then tamper detection capability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage securityVSAvoidnumber of panels and connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The package is segmented into essential panels (front, back, side, bottom) with dedicated glue panels for sealing. This segmentation provides adequate security through multiple connection points while avoiding unnecessary complexity by including only the minimum required components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10246216B2Blanks for display package containing cartomizer blister pack and methods of forming display package for cartomizer blister pack

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

The package includes a front panel, a back panel opposing the front panel, the back panel defining at least one first cut line in a semi-circular shape at an upper portion of the back panel, a bottom panel forming a lower end of the package, a first side panel forming a first side of the package, a second side panel forming a second side of the package, and an upper panel forming a top end of the package. The first cut line is configured to form a tear line on an outermost surface of the package, the tear line being configured to be torn to open the top end of the package. The blank is capable of being assembled into the package. The method includes providing a blank, and assembling the package from the blank.