Tobacco Smoke Filter Rod with Scored Paper Wrapper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tobacco smoke filters, such as Pop-a-Tip filters, are difficult to extract and create litter due to their transparent overwrap, requiring dexterity and resulting in waste disposal issues, while loose filters in plastic bags are inconvenient for carrying.
Innovation Solution
A product rod with a plurality of individual tobacco smoke filters abutted end to end, wrapped with a paper wrapper that includes a line of weakness scored but not through the wrapper, allowing easy separation of filters without the need for dexterity and reducing litter, using a paper wrapper of 50-140 gsm basis weight for biodegradability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transparent overwrap is used to package Pop-a-Tip filters, then the filters can be packaged and sold in a compact form, but the filters become difficult to extract and create littering problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transparent overwrap from the filter packaging, extracting the problematic element that caused difficulty in filter extraction and littering issues. The filters are packaged without this outer transparent film, allowing easy removal and eliminating the littering problem associated with the overwrap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable paper wrapper instead of the durable transparent overwrap. This disposable paper wrapper is designed to be easily discarded and will decompose naturally, replacing the persistent plastic overwrap that caused environmental littering problems.
2Ease of operation
If a transparent overwrap is used to package Pop-a-Tip filters, then the filters can be packaged in a compact form, but dexterity is required to push the filter tips out
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent overwrap that required user dexterity and skill to remove is completely removed from the packaging system. This eliminates the need for users to perform complex manual operations to extract filters from the packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the packaging material from a tight, friction-based transparent overwrap to a biodegradable paper wrapper with different physical properties. The paper wrapper has lower friction and different mechanical characteristics that allow filters to be easily pushed out without requiring user dexterity or special techniques.
3Ease of operation
If loose filters are supplied in plastic bags, then individual filters are available, but they are inconvenient for carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual filters into a single compact rod unit, merging several filter elements into one portable package. This allows users to carry multiple filters conveniently in a single rod rather than managing separate loose filters in plastic bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces durable plastic bags with biodegradable paper wrappers that are designed for single use and easy disposal. The paper wrapper provides sufficient protection during transport but is intended to be discarded after use, reducing long-term waste accumulation.
4Ease of operation
If a paper wrapper with a line of weakness is used, then filters can be easily separated with a clean break, but the wrapper structure must be precisely formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-formed line of weakness into the paper wrapper during manufacturing. This preliminary action creates a predetermined breaking point that guides users on where to snap the wrapper for clean filter separation, eliminating the need for precise user judgment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper wrapper is segmented into distinct sections by the line of weakness, creating clear separation zones. This segmentation allows the wrapper to be easily divided at the predetermined line, providing a clean break that separates filters without requiring precise manual positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A product rod (1) comprising a plurality of individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements (3) abutted end to end; and a wrapper (5) engaged around the plurality of filters or filter elements (3), the wrapper (5) including a, or at least one, line (7) formed in but not through the wrapper (5).