Sleeve With Waveform Edges for Filter Unit Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for filter units in smoking articles, such as cellophane, are prone to deformation or destruction when attempting to remove filter units, leading to damage and inefficiency in dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve with a cylindrical body and undulating edges that allows for the secure storage and easy dispensing of elongate filter units, where the edges' waveform shape aligns with the filter units' length, enabling them to be pushed out without damaging the sleeve or the units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If filter units are packaged in cellophane or similar flexible material, then the packaging is simple and flexible, but the material is prone to deformation or destruction when attempting to remove filter units
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the sleeve body is segmented into two opposing edges with a waveform shape, creating discrete interaction points between the packaging and the filter units. This segmentation allows the edges to engage with the filter units at specific locations, enabling reliable dispensing without deforming the entire packaging structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The edges of the opening are given a waveform shape with peaks and troughs, replacing straight edges with curved undulating profiles. This curvature allows the edges to align with and engage the cylindrical filter units, providing mechanical advantage for dispensing while maintaining packaging integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the sleeve has a continuous opening for accessing filter units, then ease of dispensing is improved, but the structural integrity of the sleeve is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous opening is segmented into two distinct opposing edges, creating a defined gap rather than a complete rupture in the sleeve structure. This segmentation maintains the sleeve's overall structural integrity while providing sufficient access for finger contact and filter unit dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveform shape of the edges creates peaks and troughs that provide structural reinforcement at regular intervals along the opening. These curved features distribute mechanical stresses more effectively than straight edges, maintaining sleeve strength while enabling filter unit access.
3Manufacturing precision
If the waveform pitch is matched to the filter unit length, then alignment and dispensing precision are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveform pitch is specifically adjusted to match the length of the filter units, creating a resonant alignment that facilitates easy dispensing. By tuning this geometric parameter, the sleeve edges naturally guide and position the filter units without requiring complex mechanical guides or positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve (1) for holding a plurality of elongate elements (9) positioned in end-to-end relationship is disclosed. The sleeve has an elongate body (2) with opposite ends (10,11) and a space (3) defined therebetween to receive the elongate elements (9). The elongate body has an opening (4) between the ends (10,11) that is configured to enable a user to contact elongate elements (9) received in the sleeve (1) through the opening (4) and push them along, and out of one end of the sleeve (1).