Tobacco Package Inner Shell Linkage for One-Hand Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tobacco-related article packages require two hands to open, are often expensive, or have complex designs that hinder one-hand operation.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a swivelly connected lid and an inner shell that can be moved within an outer shell, with a cutout allowing one-hand operation through thumb pressure, enabling automatic opening and closing of the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional package design with a lid hinged at the rear wall is used, then the package structure is simple, but two hands are required to open the package
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into an outer shell and an inner shell that can move independently. The inner shell is segmented from the outer shell and can be shifted vertically to trigger lid opening, allowing one-hand operation while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shell is made movable within the outer shell through a slot, transforming from a static to a dynamic structure. This dynamic element enables the inner shell to be shifted upward to automatically open the lid, achieving one-hand operation without complex mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If an inner shell movable in the outer shell is used, then one-hand operation is enabled, but the design becomes elaborate and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is provided only in the front wall of the outer shell, creating a localized opening mechanism rather than a complete complex system. This local quality approach enables one-hand operation while keeping the overall structure simple and inexpensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The slot acts as an intermediary element that transmits the upward movement of the inner shell to trigger lid opening. This simple intermediary mechanism avoids elaborate actuating systems while enabling automatic lid opening for one-hand operation
3Ease of operation
If the lid is connected to the inner shell by a flexible connector, then one-hand operation is possible, but the lid does not necessarily open automatically and the package must be tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The package structure itself provides the opening mechanism through the slot and movable inner shell. When the inner shell is shifted upward, it automatically triggers the lid to open without requiring additional connectors or tilting actions. The system serves itself by using the inner shell's movement to directly open the lid
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(e)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
A package (1) for tobacco-related articles comprises an outer shell (2), a lid (4) which is adapted to close the top side of the outer shell (2) and can be swivelled about a hinge line, and an inner shell (6). The inner shell (6) accommodates a plurality of tobacco-related articles and can be shifted in the outer shell (2) from a retracted position to an advanced position, which enables access to the tobacco-related articles. A cutout (20) in the outer shell (2) exposes part of the inner shell (6) and enables transmitting a force onto the inner shell (6) for moving the inner shell (6). A connector (50) pushes the lid (4) into its opened state when the inner shell (6) is moved into its advanced position and pulls the lid (4) into its closed state when the inner shell (6) is moved into its retracted position.