Roll ball applicator with non-contact piston to dispense formulations
Through a non-contact piston and magnet-driven applicator system, combined with a ball and time-of-flight sensor, the existing applicator is solved by inefficient and inaccurate measurements, achieving quiet, low-cost formula distribution and application. Enhances skin care efficiency and combines phototherapy functions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380036982.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-06-27
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-05
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing applicators have problems of inefficient, high cost and difficult to accurately measure when dispensing and applying skin care formulas.
A contactless piston and magnet-driven applicator system combines ball and time-of-flight sensors to achieve quiet, cost-effective and accurate formulation distribution and measurement, and can be administered in combination with dispensing equipment.
Quiet, low-cost, and precise formula distribution and application are achieved, enhancing the efficiency of formula usage, while providing accurate detection and phototherapy functions of formula volume.
Smart Images
Figure CN119156152A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 732036, filed on April 28, 2022, and French Patent Application No. FR2206390, filed on June 27, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Summary of the invention
[0003] A system for applying a formulation with an applicator having a non-contact piston for dispensing a skin care formulation in a quiet, cost-effective and efficient manner and a mechanism for accurately measuring the amount of formulation remaining in the applicator is described below.
[0004] This disclosure is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This disclosure is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0005] In one aspect, an applicator is disclosed that includes a reservoir configured to hold a formula; a roller ball configured to apply the formula; a non-contact piston configured to dispense the formula; and a piston magnet disposed below the non-contact piston, wherein the piston magnet is configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field.
[0006] In another aspect, a system for dispensing a formulation is disclosed, the system comprising an applicator and a dispensing device. The applicator comprises: a reservoir configured to contain the formulation; a non-contact piston configured to dispense the formulation; a piston magnet disposed below the non-contact piston configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field; a roller ball configured to apply the formulation; and an attachment for connecting to the dispensing device. The dispensing device is configured to connect to the applicator and apply light therapy.
[0007] In yet another aspect, a method of dispensing a formulation is disclosed, the method comprising: attaching an applicator filled with the formulation to a dispensing device; identifying the formulation by reading a contactless chip on the applicator with a contactless reader on the dispensing device; generating a magnetic field using one or more magnets, wherein the magnetic field moves a piston magnet connected to a piston; and dispensing the formulation when the piston moves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] Figure 1A is an exemplary applicator according to the present technology;
[0010] Figure 1B According to this technology Figure 1B A cross-section of an exemplary applicator;
[0011] Figure 2 is an exemplary system including a dispensing apparatus 200 having an attached exemplary applicator 100 in accordance with the present technology; and
[0012] Figure 3 are exemplary methods of using a skin care system in accordance with the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] While illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0014] An applicator with a non-contact piston is described herein for dispensing and applying a formulation to a surface using a roller ball. In some embodiments, the applicator also includes a mechanism for accurately detecting how much product is in the applicator.
[0015] In some embodiments, the applicator is configured to be attached to a dispensing device. In some embodiments, the dispensing device is configured to apply the light therapy while applying the formulation.
[0016] Figure 1A is an exemplary applicator according to the present technology. Applicator 100 may include a roller ball 110 and an attachment 120.
[0017] Roller ball 110 may be configured to dispense and apply a formulation (e.g., Figure 1B In some embodiments, roller ball 110 is plastic, but in other embodiments, roller ball 110 may be glass or metal.
[0018] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 further includes an attachment 120 configured to secure the applicator 100 to a dispensing device such as a Figure 2 200 in the dispensing device). Although the attachment 120 is shown as one or more tabs coupled to the dispensing device, the attachment 120 can take any form capable of securing the applicator to the dispensing device, including threaded attachments, magnets, or attachments configured to snap or slide into the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the attachment 120 is transparent so that the dispensing device is visible through the attachment.
[0019] In operation, the applicator 100 may be placed in a dispensing device (e.g. Figure 21) and secured to a dispensing device with attachment 120. Roller ball 110 may be rolled on a surface such as a user's skin to apply the formulation.
[0020] Figure 1B According to this technology Figure 1A The applicator 100 may include a roller ball 110, a reservoir 130 configured to contain a formulation 140, a piston 150, a contactless chip 160, a piston magnet 170, and one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c.
[0021] In some embodiments, reservoir 130 is located inside applicator 100 and is configured to hold formulation 140. In some embodiments, formulation 140 is a skin care formulation. In some embodiments, the skin care formulation is a moisturizer, a lotion, an acne treatment, a wrinkle or fine line treatment, or a makeup product, such as a foundation or concealer. When roller ball 110 is rolled, formulation 140 is applied from reservoir 130 to the surface.
[0022] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 further includes a piston 150 configured to push the formulation 140 toward the roller ball 110 when applying the formulation. In some embodiments, the piston 150 is moved by a dispensing device such as a Figure 2 The formula 140 is pushed toward the roller ball 110 by a circuit guide on a dispensing device 200 or on the applicator itself.
[0023] In some embodiments, the piston 150 is driven upward by a piston magnet 170. The piston magnet 170 can be located below the piston 150. The piston 150 can be pushed upward by the piston magnet 170 in response to a magnetic field. While in some embodiments, the piston magnet 170 and the piston 150 are two separate components, in other embodiments, the piston magnet 170 and the piston 150 are a single component. In some embodiments, the piston magnet 170 is located inside the piston 150. In some embodiments, the piston 150 is made of plastic and it encapsulates the piston magnet 170. In some embodiments, the piston magnet 170 is non-removable. In some embodiments, the piston 150 can be precisely positioned for better control.
[0024] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 includes one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c to generate a magnetic field. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c are a first magnet 180a, a second magnet 180b, and a third magnet 180c. As shown, in some embodiments, the first magnet 180a is parallel to the piston magnet 160. In some embodiments, the second magnet 180b is arranged at a 45-degree angle to the right side of the first magnet 180b, and the third magnet 180c is arranged at a 45-degree angle to the left side of the first magnet 180b. Although this configuration is shown, it should be understood that one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c can adopt any configuration that generates a magnetic field. Although one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c are shown as being inside the applicator, in some embodiments, one or more magnets 180a, 180b, 180c are inside a dispensing device (such as Figure 2 distribution device 200 in it).
[0025] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 includes a contactless chip 160 that is configured to identify to a dispensing device the type of formulation 140 inside the applicator 100. The contactless chip 160 can be used to identify any number of things about the formulation 140 or the applicator 100, including the amount of formulation 140 within the applicator 100, the expiration date of the formulation 140 within the applicator 100, or when to replace the applicator 100.
[0026] In some embodiments, the applicator 100 also includes a mechanism 190, 195 for measuring how much formulation 140 is inside the reservoir 130. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a time-of-flight sensor 190 and a mirror coating 195 inside the reservoir 130. In some embodiments, the time-of-flight sensor 190 is located inside the applicator 100, but the time-of-flight sensor 190 can also be located in a dispensing device (such as a Figure 2 inside the distribution device 200).
[0027] In operation, the time-of-flight sensor 190 is configured to emit LED light, as shown in dashed lines. The mirror coating 195 is configured to reflect the LED light into the time-of-flight sensor 190. Although the time-of-flight sensor 190 is shown as being directly below the mirror coating 195, in some embodiments, the time-of-flight sensor can be further away from the mirror coating 195 so that one or more reflectors ( Figure 1B ) reflects the emitted LED to the mirror coating 196 and back to the time-of-flight sensor 190.
[0028] Figure 2is an exemplary system according to the present technology including a dispensing device 200 having an attached exemplary applicator 100. In some embodiments, the applicator 100 can be attached to the dispensing device 200. In some embodiments, the dispensing device includes a tip 210, one or more light sources 220a, 220b, an actuator 230, and a contactless reader 240. In some embodiments, the applicator 100 is connected to the dispenser 200.
[0029] In some embodiments, the dispensing device 200 includes an end 210. The end 210 can be configured to be visible through the attachment 120 on the applicator 100. In some embodiments, the base 210 includes one or more light sources 220a, 220b configured to apply light therapy when the formulation is applied.
[0030] In some embodiments, one or more light sources 220a, 220b are LEDs. In some embodiments, there are only two light sources 220a, 220b on the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the first light source 220a is configured to apply light therapy of a first wavelength. In some embodiments, the second light source 220b is configured to apply light therapy of a second wavelength. In some embodiments, light therapy of the first wavelength and light therapy of the second wavelength are applied simultaneously. In some embodiments, light therapy and applying the formulation are performed simultaneously.
[0031] In some embodiments, the dispensing device 200 includes one or more actuators 230. Although the actuator 230 is shown as a button, in some embodiments, the actuator can be a switch, a capacitive touch type button, a dial, etc. The actuator can be configured to initiate the application of the light treatment, apply the formulation, or both.
[0032] In some embodiments, the dispensing device 200 further includes a contactless chip reader 230 to read the contactless chip 160 on the applicator 100 .
[0033] In operation, a user may place the applicator 100 into the dispensing device 200. When the actuator 230 is actuated, the formulation is applied, the light treatment is administered, or both are performed simultaneously. The user may then apply the formulation with the applicator 100.
[0034] Figure 3 is an example method 300 of using a skin care system in accordance with the present technology.
[0035] In frame 310, the applicator is attached to the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the applicator slides into the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the applicator quickly enters the applicator internal position. In some embodiments, the applicator is fixed to the dispensing device by a snap, a tab or a magnet.
[0036] Optionally, in block 320, a contactless reader on the dispensing device identifies the formula in the applicator using a contactless chip on the applicator. In some embodiments, the contactless chip can also identify the amount of formula in the applicator or whether the applicator needs to be replaced.
[0037] In frame 330, a magnetic field is generated to move the piston magnet and the piston upward along the reservoir to push the formula toward the rolling ball. In some embodiments, the magnetic field is generated by one or more magnets in the applicator. In some embodiments, the magnetic field can be generated by a dispensing device. In some embodiments, the magnetic field is generated by the first, second, and third magnets. When the magnetic field is generated, the piston magnet pushes the piston to move the formula toward the rolling ball.
[0038] In block 340, the formula is dispensed as the piston is pushed upward along the reservoir. As the piston is pushed upward, the formula is pushed toward the rolling ball.
[0039] In block 350, the dispensing device administers the light therapy. In some embodiments, the dispensing device administers the light therapy with one or more light sources. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may be configured to administer one or more light therapies. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources on the dispensing device are configured to administer a first light therapy at a first wavelength, and the one or more light sources are configured to administer a second light therapy at a second wavelength. In some embodiments, the first light therapy and the second light therapy are administered consecutively. However, in other embodiments, the first light therapy and the second light therapy are administered simultaneously.
[0040] In block 360, the roller ball is rolled over a surface, such as the user's skin, and the formulation is applied to the surface. In some embodiments, steps 330-360 all occur simultaneously.
[0041] In block 370, the method ends.
Claims
1. An applicator comprising: a reservoir configured to hold a formulation; a roller ball configured to apply the formulation; a contactless piston configured to dispense the formulation; and A piston magnet is disposed below the non-contact piston, wherein the piston magnet is configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field.
2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein The applicator further comprises: a time-of-flight sensor configured to detect an amount of the formulation within the applicator; and A light emitting diode (LED) is provided, wherein the LED emits light within the applicator, the light being configured to reflect off the piston and into the time-of-flight sensor.
3. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein: The applicator also includes a mirror coating on the piston, wherein the mirror coating is configured to reflect the light emitting diode (LED) into the time-of-flight sensor.
4. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The applicator further includes one or more magnets located within the applicator, wherein the one or more magnets generate a magnetic field to control the non-contact piston.
5. The applicator according to claim 4, wherein: The one or more magnets include a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet.
6. The applicator according to claim 5, wherein: The first magnet is parallel to the piston magnet.
7. An applicator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The second magnet and the third magnet are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to the first magnet.
8. A system for dispensing a formulation, comprising: Applicators and dispensing equipment, Wherein, the applicator comprises: a reservoir configured to hold a formulation; a contactless piston configured to dispense the formulation; a piston magnet disposed below the non-contact piston, wherein the non-contact piston is configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field; a roller ball configured to apply the formulation; and an attachment for connecting to the dispensing device, Therein, the dispensing device is configured to connect to the applicator and administer the light therapy.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The light treatment is administered simultaneously with the application of the formulation.
10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The applicator further includes one or more magnets located within the applicator, wherein the one or more magnets generate a magnetic field to control the non-contact piston.
11. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The applicator also includes a contactless chip configured to identify the formula within the applicator.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The dispensing device also includes a contactless reader to read the contactless chip on the applicator.
13. A method of dispensing a formulation, comprising: attaching an applicator filled with the formulation to a dispensing device; identifying the formulation by reading a contactless chip on the applicator with a contactless reader on the dispensing device; generating a magnetic field using one or more magnets, wherein the magnetic field moves a piston magnet connected to the piston; as well as The formulation is dispensed as the piston moves.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The method also includes measuring the amount of the formulation within the applicator at a given time.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Measuring the amounts of the formulation includes: illuminating a light emitting diode (LED) within the applicator; reflecting light generated by the light emitting diode (LED) away from the mirror coating inside the applicator; and The amount of the formulation within the applicator is determined based on the time it takes for light to reflect off the mirror coating.