Monoblock Aluminium Container for Recyclable Cosmetic Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products face challenges such as limited material selection, high production costs due to the need for multiple materials and complex moulding processes, and environmental sustainability issues due to non-recyclable materials, particularly plastic and metal combinations.
Innovation Solution
A container and production method utilizing a single, recyclable aluminium alloy for all components, including a tubular main body, closing body, and reversible closure system, which allows for adaptable aesthetic features and simplified production without the need for multiple moulds, using turning and anodization processes to create the desired shapes and finishes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials (plastic body + metal cover) are used to achieve aesthetic effects and functional requirements, then the aesthetic value and functional suitability are improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the body and cover into a single monoblock structure made of the same material (plastic or metal), eliminating the need for separate components and assembly operations. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining aesthetic versatility through material selection while significantly reducing device complexity and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the material selection universal by allowing the same material to serve both functional (chemical compatibility) and aesthetic (appearance) requirements. The monoblock design enables a single material choice to fulfill multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for specialized plastic and metal components.
2Reliability
If plastic and metal materials are combined in the container, then functional requirements are met, but environmental sustainability and recyclability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using a single material throughout the entire container structure. This allows the container to be fully recyclable as one material type, eliminating the environmental harm caused by mixed-material disposal while maintaining functional suitability through careful material selection for chemical compatibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If very thin metal sheets are used for cover elements to simplify shaping processes, then manufacturing ease is improved, but material selection flexibility and structural strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the body and cover into a monoblock structure, eliminating the need for thin metal cover elements entirely. This allows the use of sufficiently thick material throughout the entire container to ensure structural strength while maintaining manufacturing ease through the simplified monoblock production process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom moulds are produced for each cover element design variation, then aesthetic versatility is improved, but production costs and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the body and cover design variations into a single monoblock manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for separate custom moulds for cover elements, as all design variations can be achieved through material selection and monoblock forming processes, significantly reducing production costs and manufacturing time while maintaining aesthetic versatility.
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
The solution enables a cost-effective, versatile, and environmentally sustainable container that is easily disposable and adaptable to various aesthetic characteristics, eliminating the need for separate plastic or glass materials and reducing production costs by using a single recyclable material that does not alter the chemical composition of the products.
Implementation Method 1
the plastic material used for the production of the body must necessarily have specific characteristics suitable not to alter the chemical composition of the product contained in the body itself
Implementation Method 2
using turning and anodization processes to create the desired shapes and finishes
Data Source
AI summary
Container in particular for cosmetic or pharmaceutical products and related production method wherein at least one bar is provided which is made of metal or metal alloy, said bar being turned to obtain a main body having a substantially tubular shape and internally defining a compartment for housing the cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, and a closing body having a substantially tubular shape and having an engagement opening associable with an access opening to the compartment defined in said main body; said container being uniquely made of metal or metal alloy.