Applicator Pad Valve Dispensing for Cleaner Personal Care Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal care product dispensing systems are inefficient, messy, and wasteful, lacking suitable dispersal mechanisms and easy-to-clean applicators, particularly for shaving aids, and often rely on unsustainable aerosol technologies.
Innovation Solution
A personal care product dispensing system featuring a body with a movable platform and actuator mechanism, a flexible applicator pad with projections, and a valve, designed for efficient application and easy cleaning, using recyclable materials and antimicrobial additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional hand application method is used, then product availability is simple, but application efficiency is low and waste is high
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system automatically applies the personal care product through a valve mechanism that dispenses product directly onto the applicator pad, eliminating the need for manual transfer from container to hand and then to skin. This self-service mechanism improves application efficiency and reduces product waste by ensuring precise dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator pad serves as an intermediary between the product container and the skin. It receives the dispensed product through the valve and transfers it to the skin surface, enabling controlled application while preventing direct contact between the user's hands and the product, thereby reducing waste and improving efficiency.
2Productivity
If aerosol technologies are used, then product dispersal is achieved, but sustainability is poor due to pressurized gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aerosol technology with a mechanical valve dispensing system. Instead of using pressurized gases to propell the product, a mechanical valve controlled by an actuator mechanism dispenses the product in a controlled manner, eliminating the need for unsustainable aerosol propellants while maintaining effective product dispersal.
3Ease of operation
If conventional brush dispenser devices are used, then shaving application is enabled, but device complexity increases due to multiple valve parts
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is integrated into a segmented design where the valve body, actuator, and applicator pad are distinct but coordinated components. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly and manufacturing while maintaining the shaving application capability, reducing the complexity associated with conventional multi-part valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator pad serves multiple functions: it acts as the dispensing interface, the application tool, and the skin-contact surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective shaving application capability.
4Productivity
If applicator pads with projections are used, then product distribution is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator pad features projections only in specific areas where product dispensing and application are needed, rather than covering the entire surface. This localized projection design improves product distribution uniformity in the critical areas while keeping other areas smooth and easy to clean, resolving the contradiction between distribution effectiveness and cleaning ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal care product dispensing system with a body defining a cavity configured to retain a spreadable personal care product. A spreadable material is positioned within the cavity. A cover is mounted to the body. The cover defines a first aperture extending from a top surface of the cover to a bottom surface of the cover. A flexible applicator pad is mounted to the top surface of the cover with a valve positioned over the first aperture. The flexible applicator pad has a plurality of projections and each of the projections has a maximum cross sectional area of 0.20 mm2 to 0.60 mm2.