Wavy Surface Bridging for Packaging Rigidity and Aesthetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for consumer goods, particularly smoking articles, lack a combination of rigidity for protection and visual/tactile appeal, with conventional bridging surfaces being plane and not providing an interesting appearance.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring wavy surfaces bounded by undulating outlines, which are phase-shifted relative to each other, creating a twisted bridging surface that avoids sharp edges and enhances visual and tactile appeal, along with a snap-fit engagement mechanism for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If plane bridging surfaces are used between adjacent walls, then the container structure is simple and rigid, but the visual and tactile appearance is uninteresting

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoidsurface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by replacing plane bridging surfaces with wavy surfaces that have continuous undulating outlines. These wavy surfaces feature multiple convex and concave sections along their length, creating a twisted appearance that provides visual and tactile interest while maintaining the structural connection between adjacent walls of the container

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If sharp edges are present at the intersection of walls, then the container structure is rigid and simple, but the container is inconvenient to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling convenienceVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The wavy surfaces eliminate sharp edges by introducing continuous undulating outlines with convex and concave sections. This curvature softens the transitions between adjacent walls, making the container more comfortable to hold and handle while the twisted structure maintains adequate structural rigidity for protecting the contents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If plane bridging surfaces are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the container lacks visual appeal for consumers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidvisual appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The wavy surfaces are formed with undulating outlines that can be created through standard forming processes such as die-cutting or molding. The continuous curved lines with convex and concave sections provide aesthetic appeal without requiring complex multi-step manufacturing procedures, maintaining ease of production while enhancing visual attractiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2595900B1Container for consumer goods
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • EP2595900B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2595900B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2595900B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The current invention relates to a container comprising a wrapped bundle of consumer goods housed within a box wherein the box further comprises a box bottom wall, a first box side wall, a second box side wall, a box back wall and a box front wall and wherein the container further comprises a lid, wherein the lid is hingedly connected to the box across a hinge line, and wherein the lid further comprises a lid top wall, a first lid side wall, a second lid side wall, a lid back wall and a lid front wall, and wherein the container comprises at least one wavy surface bounded by two undulating outlines wherein the at least one wavy surface is arranged between two adjacent walls of the lid or two adjacent walls of the box, such that the at least one wavy surface at least partially bridges the two adjacent walls.