Refillable Dermatological Applicator Piston Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refillable dermatological product applicators lack the ability to accurately detect the filling state of the inserted capsule, risking damage when the piston is blocked due to an empty refill, and existing solutions either provide limited position detection or lack precision in product dispensing.

Innovation Solution

A refillable applicator with a housing that includes means for motorized piston movement and position detection, utilizing a piston-pusher element with integrated sensors such as optical encoders and Hall effect sensors to determine the piston's position and remaining product quantity, ensuring precise detection and preventing overconsumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If motorized piston movement means are provided to enable product dispensing, then productivity is improved, but the risk of collision with empty capsule piston increases causing device damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct dispensing capabilityVSAvoiddevice damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection means are activated before the piston pusher element contacts the capsule piston, allowing the system to detect capsule presence/emptiness in advance and prevent collision damage. The control means receives detection signals and can stop or reverse the piston movement before damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection means provide real-time feedback on capsule piston position and capsule fill status to the control means, which adjusts the piston movement accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents the pusher element from contacting an empty capsule piston while maintaining productive operation when capsules are filled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If detection means are added to detect capsule piston position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule fill level detectionVSAvoiddetection and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection means serve multiple functions: detecting capsule presence, determining capsule fill level, monitoring piston position, and preventing device damage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors and control logic, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system automatically monitors capsule status and controls piston movement without user intervention. The control means autonomously adjusts operation based on detection signals, eliminating the need for manual checking and simplifying the user interface while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the piston pusher element continuously contacts the piston to ensure product dispensing, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision of piston position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous product dispensingVSAvoidpiston position detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection means act as an intermediary between the piston pusher element and the capsule piston, measuring piston position indirectly through magnetic or optical fields rather than direct mechanical contact. This allows continuous monitoring of precise position while maintaining continuous product dispensing through the pusher element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 real-time detection of the piston's position and remaining product quantity, preventing damage from empty capsules and ensuring precise dispensing, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The position determination means include a magnet and a Hall effect sensor for reading the magnet, which is integral with the piston pusher element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

The position determination means include an optical encoder sensor mounted on the movement means and configured to measure the distance traveled by the piston pusher element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Optical Tweezers

Data Source

PatentEP4015029A1Housing for applicator and rechargeable dermatological product applicator and method of applying said product

Publication Date: 2022.06.22 LIGHTINDERM

Figure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates primarily to a refillable dermatological product applicator housing (100a) adapted to removably integrate a capsule (16a) comprising a product application head (3a) and a dermatological product reservoir (4a) comprising a movable piston (6a) forming the bottom of the reservoir (4a), said housing (100a) comprising motorized means (7a) for moving the piston (6a) comprising a piston-pusher element (9a) movable along the longitudinal axis (X) of the housing (100a), said means (7a) for moving the piston (6a) and determining its position in the reservoir (4a) at least when the piston-pusher element (9, 9a) is in contact with the piston (6, 6a), said applicator housing (100a) comprising control and command means for said movement means (7a) configured to correlate the piston position (6a) with the amount of dermatological product remaining in the reservoir (4a).