Interchangeable Additive Mixing Head for Sunscreen Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face the inconvenience of carrying multiple large, heavy, and expensive bottles of sunscreen with different SPF formulations, as existing dispensing systems do not offer a practical solution for mixing and dispensing various additive ingredients efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system featuring a novel additive mixing head that introduces and mixes an additive ingredient into a flowable base formulation with each dispensing cycle, allowing for interchangeable mixing devices that can be easily swapped without tainting the base formulation, using various mixing structures such as absorbent sponges or solid carriers with flow structures to ensure thorough mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate bottles of sunscreen with different SPF formulations are carried, then product variety is achieved, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sunscreen formulations into a single dispensing system by integrating a base formulation reservoir with interchangeable additive cartridges containing different SPF agents. The mixing chamber merges the base formulation and additive in controlled proportions, allowing one bottle to replace multiple separate bottles while maintaining product variety through cartridge selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is designed with universal compatibility to accept different additive cartridges (varying SPF levels) using a standardized interface. The base formulation reservoir and mixing mechanism remain constant while the additive cartridges are interchangeable, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions of dispensing different sunscreen formulations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate bottles of sunscreen with different SPF formulations are carried, then product variety is achieved, but bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sunscreen formulations into a single dispensing system by integrating a base formulation reservoir with interchangeable additive cartridges containing different SPF agents. The mixing chamber merges the base formulation and additive in controlled proportions, allowing one bottle to replace multiple separate bottles while maintaining product variety through cartridge selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The additive cartridges are designed to nest within or attach to the main dispensing body. The cartridge structure allows the additive ingredient to be contained within a compact form factor that integrates with the existing dispensing mechanism, reducing overall bulk compared to carrying multiple separate bottles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additive mixing device is located between container and pump engine, then base formulation can be mixed with additive ingredient, but base formulation may be tainted during interchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the additive ingredient from the main base formulation reservoir by placing it in separate, interchangeable cartridges. This separation allows the base formulation to remain in its original container, isolated from potential contamination during cartridge removal and replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system employs an intermediary mixing chamber that receives the base formulation from the original container and the additive from the cartridge separately before combining them. This intermediary zone prevents direct contact between the base formulation and the cartridge interface, eliminating contamination risk during cartridge interchange.
4Productivity
If complex mixing structures are used, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is designed to utilize the natural flow and pressure differential of the pumped base formulation to draw the additive ingredient from the cartridge and combine the two streams. The system self-regulates the mixing process through its geometry and flow dynamics without requiring external mixing mechanisms, motors, or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using the pressure of the pumped base formulation to drive the additive ingredient from the cartridge through a pressure-sensitive valve or membrane. The flow rates and mixing ratio are controlled by the inherent pressure differential and flow resistance of the system components rather than active mechanical control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the use of a single container for multiple SPF formulations or other products, reducing bulk and weight while maintaining product integrity and allowing for efficient mixing and dispensing, thereby enhancing user convenience and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The sponge would hold a quantity of the additive ingredient and its carrier material within its pores
Implementation Method 2
an actuable pump engine which draws the flowable base formulation from the container and pumps it through the mixing device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A dispensing system includes a container containing a flowable base formulation to be dispensed, an additive mixing device, and an actuable pump engine which draws the flowable base formulation from the container and pumps it through the mixing device. The additive mixing device includes a body with an internal cavity, an additive ingredient within the cavity, and a flow path/ mixing chamber between an input and an output. With each pump of the device the additive ingredient is introduced into, and mixed with, a flow of the base formulation traveling through the mixing device. Multiple additive mixing devices may be interchangeable for different formulations, and the mixing devices may be refillable.