Cosmetic Applicator Control Ring for Recyclable Reservoir Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic applicators lack eco-friendly design options that allow for easy disassembly and recycling of components, leading to inefficient resource use and waste generation.

Innovation Solution

A fluid product applicator with a removable control ring and reservoir design, enabling separation and replacement of the reservoir, allowing for recycling of recyclable materials and reducing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a cosmetic product is applied using conventional methods (fingers, brushes, sponges), then the application process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the product is wasted due to absorption by the applicator and inconsistent application results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic product wasteVSAvoidapplication device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator head is nested within the housing, and the reservoir can be nested within or attached to the housing structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall device footprint and reduces material usage while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin film structures for the reservoir and applicator components. The flexible membrane in the reservoir and thin film applicator head reduce material consumption while maintaining structural integrity and product delivery functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If traditional applicators (fingers, brushes, sponges) are used, then no special equipment is needed, but hygienic contamination occurs and application uniformity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication consistencyVSAvoidapplication device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the applicator function from traditional tools (fingers, brushes, sponges) and integrates it into a dedicated device with a controlled reservoir system. This separation allows for hygienic, disposable applicator heads while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device introduces an intermediary controlled delivery system between the product reservoir and the user's skin. This intermediary mechanism ensures uniform product distribution and prevents direct contamination between user and product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the applicator reservoir is refillable, then cost is reduced and sustainability improved, but hygiene risks increase due to repeated opening and closing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverefillabilityVSAvoidhygiene contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reservoir system incorporates dynamic sealing mechanisms that maintain hygiene when opened and closed. The adaptable seal adjusts to different refilling operations while preventing contamination during storage and use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the state of the reservoir system by incorporating advanced sealing parameters and material properties that maintain hygiene integrity during repeated opening/closing operations. The seal design allows for controlled access while preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If the applicator delivers high amounts of product, then coverage is improved, but product waste increases due to uncontrolled delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct delivery amountVSAvoidproduct waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator incorporates feedback mechanisms through its controlled delivery system that monitors and regulates product flow. This ensures optimal product quantity is delivered to achieve coverage without excessive waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs partial action by delivering product in controlled increments rather than all at once. This allows for precise application with the exact amount needed, preventing both under-application and waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4593659B1Applicator for fluid products such as cosmetics
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 COSMOGEN
  • EP4593659B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4593659B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4593659B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an applicator (100) of a fluid product such as a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (200) provided with an outlet opening (202); - a control ring (300) mounted on the container (200) so as to be rotatable between a closed position in which the control ring closes the opening (202), an open position in which the control ring exposes the opening (202), and a dismantled position in which the control ring (300) can be separated from the container (200); and - an application member (400) mounted on the control ring (300) so as to communicate with the opening (202) when the control ring (300) is in its open position.