Liquid Applicator Immersion Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nail polish bottles with built-in applicators face challenges in easy one-handed operation and complete emptying, as the applicator brush often touches the bottle floor when the cap is unscrewed, leading to deformation and inefficient paint application, resulting in wasted product.
Innovation Solution
The storage and application device features pocket-shaped recesses on the applicator carrier that engage with radially inward projections on the closure cap, allowing the applicator to maintain a consistent immersion depth regardless of the elastic element's compression state, enabling easy handling and complete emptying without requiring both hands or time-consuming cap unscrewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is unscrewed to allow the applicator to reach deeper into the storage space, then access to remaining product is improved, but the applicator brush touches the bottle floor causing deformation and product waste
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid-tight seal (membrane) is introduced as an intermediary between the storage space and the external environment. This seal allows the applicator to access the remaining product through the sealed cap structure without touching the bottle floor, thus maintaining brush integrity while enabling complete emptying of the storage space
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure is made dynamically adjustable with the applicator carrier being movable relative to the cap body. This allows the applicator immersion depth to be adjusted as needed while the cap remains sealed, enabling users to access remaining product without unscrewing the cap and risking brush deformation
2Productivity
If the applicator carrier is pressed deeper into the closure cap to increase immersion depth, then product application efficiency is improved, but one-handed operation becomes difficult and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator carrier is equipped with a stop means that automatically limits the immersion depth when the cap is placed on the hollow socket. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually press or adjust the applicator carrier, enabling easy one-handed operation while maintaining optimal product application efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The stop means is pre-configured on the applicator carrier to automatically position the applicator at the correct immersion depth when the cap is attached to the hollow socket. This preliminary positioning action occurs automatically during cap attachment, eliminating the need for subsequent manual adjustment and enabling immediate one-handed use
3Stability of the object's composition
If the elastic element is compressed to maintain applicator position, then applicator stability is improved, but the effort required to achieve tightness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is positioned locally between the cap body and the applicator carrier to provide targeted stabilization. This localized elastic support maintains the applicator at the correct immersion depth without requiring excessive compression force from the user, thus improving stability while minimizing the effort needed to achieve and maintain the tight connection
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
This design simplifies the application process, allows for easier access to remaining product, and prevents brush deformation, reducing waste and improving user convenience during multiple coat applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (34) arranged between the closure cap (22) and the applicator carrier (30), wherein the closure cap (22) and the applicator carrier (30) can be moved axially relative to one another by means of the interposed elastic element (34)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In a storage and application device for liquids, comprising a body (10) enclosing a storage space (12), which has a hollow nozzle (14) having an external thread (14a) and an end face (14b), and a closure and application unit comprising: a closure cap (22) having an internal thread (24a) and screwable onto the external thread (14a), an applicator carrier (30) extending from a first end (30a) on the side of the closure cap and a second end (30b) away from the closure cap, an applicator connected to the applicator carrier (30), and an elastic element (34) acting between the closure cap (22) and the applicator carrier (30), a stop for bearing against the end face (14b) is rigidly connected to the applicator carrier (30).