Smokeless Tobacco Container With Central Pole

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional containers for smokeless tobacco pouches lead to pouch movement and deformation, inefficient space utilization, and staining due to pouch contact, making it difficult for users to count remaining pouches and maintain pouch integrity.

Innovation Solution

A container with a central pole that retains smokeless tobacco pouches in a defined pattern, allowing them to be attached via holes or slots, preventing movement and contact, and featuring a lid for secure storage and easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If pouches are stored in a conventional container without a pole, then the container structure is simple, but the pouches move around and become deformed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepouch position stabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container interior is segmented into individual pouch slots using a pole with multiple holes, creating separate compartments for each pouch. This segmentation prevents pouches from moving freely and becoming deformed, while the modular hole structure keeps the overall design relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole acts as an intermediary structure between the pouches and the container walls. It provides a central support element that pouches can be attached to, stabilizing their position without requiring complex container wall modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If pouches are stored loosely in the container, then the container capacity is maximized, but the pouches come into contact and stain each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepouch stainingVSAvoidcontainer pouch capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pole with multiple holes creates individual compartments that separate pouches from each other. This segmentation prevents direct contact between pouches, eliminating staining while maintaining efficient space utilization through the radial arrangement of pouches around the pole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole provides localized support points at each hole position, creating discrete attachment zones for individual pouches. This localized structure prevents pouches from contacting each other while maximizing the use of container space through optimal radial distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If pouches are arranged irregularly in the container, then space usage is inefficient, but creating a defined pattern increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization efficiencyVSAvoidpouch arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pole with multiple holes at specific positions divides the container space into defined radial segments. This segmentation creates an organized pattern for pouch arrangement that maximizes space utilization while the simple pole structure avoids excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole introduces a vertical dimension to the pouch arrangement, allowing pouches to be attached at different heights and radial positions. This three-dimensional arrangement optimizes space usage more effectively than flat two-dimensional arrangements without requiring complex container structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Stability of the object's composition

If pouches are attached to the pole, then pouch position is stabilized, but the attachment structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepouch position stabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pole holes are designed to accept pouches directly through simple insertion, allowing the pouches to attach themselves without requiring additional fastening mechanisms. This self-service attachment method stabilizes pouch positions while keeping the attachment structure simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3232831B1Smokeless tobacco container
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 JT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP3232831B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3232831B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3232831B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a container (1) for smokeless tobacco comprising a base defining a cavity arranged to retain smokeless tobacco pouches (8) in use, wherein the cavity further comprises a pole (5), arranged such that the smokeless tobacco pouches are retained in a defined pattern in use.